Colour-sergeant

Colour-sergeant (so called as being a sergeant who, in addition to other duties, guarded the colours) is the chief non-commissioned officer in a Company (q.v.) of British infantry. On his efficiency its good order mainly depends, as he is the channel of communication between the Captain (q.v.) and the men in almost everything. The distinctive badge consists of crossed colours worn on the sleeve above the Chevrons (q.v.). The pay is 3s. a day in the line, and 3s. 2d. in the guards. The corresponding rank in the cavalry is troop sergeant-major (corporal of horse in the Life and Horse Guards). In the United States army each battalion has a colour-guard, composed of a colour-sergeant and seven corporals. The colour-sergeant carries the national colours.