Genealogy Chat

What is a 'colour sergeant' as opposed to just 'sergeant'? From 1881 census William John Blackmore born 1851 Fulford Barracks York. Also what does it say for his married status please? Would there have been a war at that time? Thanks

Hi A colour sargent is a very important man in the army, he is in charge of uniforms, equipment, supplies and to see that they go to the right places. Hope that thuis is of some help, not sure about wars in 1850s Phyllis.

Thanks very much I feel I have partly solved the mystery now. I did not realise there were different typesof sergeant. My father was a pioneer sergeant, do you know what this job/rank was? Thanks

Hi Linda, Pioneer core, acording to hubby an ex sargent. phyllis.

Thanks again

Sorry, Phyllis is way off with her answer. A Colour Sergeant was traditionally responsible for protecting the Regimental Colours, it is equal in rank to a Staff Sergeant. If you want to understand the ranks and insignia take a look here. http://www.army.mod.uk/hq_itg/rank.htm Jennifer

From Wikipedia 'Colour Sergeant' is a non-commissioned officer|non-commissioned rank in the Royal Marines and infantry regiments of the British Army, ranking above Sergeant and below Warrant Officer Class 2. It has a NATO ranking code of OR-7 and is equivalent to Staff Sergeant in other corps of the British Army, Flight Sergeant or Chief Technician in the Royal Air Force, and Chief Petty Officer in the Royal Navy. The rank was introduced into the British Army during the Napoleonic Wars to reward long-serving sergeants. By World War I it had given way to Company Sergeant Major and Company Quartermaster Sergeant, but it was later reintroduced. Historically, Colour Sergeants of British line regiments were tasked with protecting Ensigns, the most junior officers who were responsible for carrying their battalions' Colours (flag or insignia) to rally troops in battles. For this reason the Colour Sergeant rank was considered a prestigious one given normally to courageous Sergeants who had attained accomplishments in battles. This tradition continues today as Colour Sergeants form part of a Colour Party in military parades. Colour Sergeants are referred to and addressed as 'Colour Sergeant' or 'Colour' ('Colour Sergeant Bloggs' or 'Colour Bloggs', for instance), never as 'Sergeant'. Unusually, NCOs with the rank of Colour Sergeant who hold the appointment of Company Quartermaster Sergeant are still addressed and referred to by their rank, not their appointment.

Hi Sorry if I gave the wrong answer but got info fromhubby as he was a sargent in the army. Phyllis