Miscellaneous - Earl Marshal's Warrant Regarding Banners and Heraldic Devices for Civilian Bodies Associated with the Armed Services [1967-07-06]

Whereas it has been represented unto me that there has been uncertainty as to the method and authority whereby colours, banners, flags and other heraldic devices ought to be laid down for the British Legion, Old Comrades’ Associations and like bodies [^and for certain unofficial regimental purposes*] connected with the armed services, but themselves civilian bodies, and whereas I am advised that it is proper that I as Earl Marshal should now by my Warrant regulate these matters I, therefore, Bernard Marmaduke, Duke of Norfolk, Earl Marshal and Hereditary Marshal of England, Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order, and one of Her Majesty’s Most Honourable Privy Council, do hereby ordain and direct that Garter King of Arms may from time to time devise and certify banners, colours and other heraldic devices for the use of such bodies at their request, and in consultation, so far as may be necessary, with the Ministry of Defence, such certificates being duly recorded in the College of Arms, and I do further direct that where an Old Comrades’ Association or similar body desires to have assigned to it by Garter King of Arms as elements of such devices Royal Badges or devices which may be included in regimental colours assigned by the Sovereign to the regiment with which it is connected, it shall be allowed to Garter King of Arms at his discretion to assign such Royal Devices, but no others, and I do direct that this my Warrant be recorded in the College of Arms. Given under my hand and seal this sixth day of July 1967.

Norfolk. E. M.

To Garter King of Arms.

* See Garter Office File: Unofficial Regimental Devices G/38
(i) Earl Marshal’s Letter 21st March 1967, with enclosure to Garter.
(ii) Garter’s letter to the Earl Marshal 6th June 1967.