PRESENTATION" OF COLORS.

Thames Star, Volume VII, Issue 2642, 27 June 1877, Page 3

PRESENTATION" OF COLORS.

The Duke of Connaught on April 6 presented new colors to the 53rd (Shropshire) j Regiment, one of the oldest and most distinguished in Her Majesty's service. The regiment was drawn up in double line, and presented an appearance in every respect worthy its traditions. The old colors, riddled and rent, were placed in front of the regiment, in cha-ge of four sergeants and double sentries, while the new ones wbere hoisted in the rear. Before their retirement from active service they received all the honors due to them, having been " trooped " along the line and saluted as they passed with presented arms, while the band played " Auld Lang Syne." The regiment was formed in hollow square with its drums piled iv thecentre,and on themall were laid the new colors. When all was arranged? the ceremony of consecration was commenced with a religious service, in which the Dean of Cashel and the Eev. Mr Chester, chaplain of the garrison, officiated. The Hymn, " Brightly shines our banner" was effectively sung by the bandsmen, who were accompanied by the horns. The Queen's Colors having then been handed by the senior major to His Royal Highness, were presented to the senior ensign.who received them kneeling on the right knee,, and the same reverent formalities iiS3g observed in the presentation ofZjthe regimental colors, the junior major. handing them to His Royal Highness, and the junior ensign receiving them. The troops then presented arms, and His Royal Highness, addressing them in a clear and impressive voice, said:—" Colonel Dalzell, officers, and non-commissioned officers and men of the 53rd Regiment,—lt is with the greatest pleasure that I present you with these, your new colours, to replace those which you have so honourably borne for the last twenty-five years. I feel that I am intrusting their keeping to those who will know how to honour and how to protect them. It is now 125 years since your regiment was first formed, and during that time you have served in nearly every part of the world, and taken your share in tho great battles inscribed on your colors. The 63rd has won a name foz itself of which you may be justly- proud, and which has added lustre to the British arms. lam glad to see still serving with the regiment officers who took part in the last presentation of colours. I allude to Colonel Dalzell, Major Fendall, and the quartermaster. lam glad to have an opportunity of presenting these new colours, especially while you are still serving under the command of one whose name has been so long and so" honourably associated with' the regiment." Colonel Dalzell, in reply said :—" Your Royal Highness, — The impressive ceremony in which we are now engaged, and the words spoken by your, royal highness, must go straight to the heart of every 53rd man. This, your presentation, will be ever deemed a redletter day in the annals of the regiment. Your allusion to the brilliant career of the 53rd is highly gratifying, and will tend to produce in us a Jeeper love of our noble profession. We receive these colors from your royal highness to hold in sacred trust for your illustrious mother, Her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen, in a full and proud assurance that, whenever and wharever the 53rd are called upon to serve, their reputation gained in Flanders, t.he Peninsula, British North America, and in the East and West Indies will be emulated and sustained, and these your banners borne as stoutly and as valiantly as in days gdhe by. On behalf of the officers, non-commissioned officers, and men of the 53rd Regiment, I tender our sincere and heartfelt thanks to your Royal Highness for the great honor you have this day conferred upon us." After the line had been re-formed, the new colors, unfurled, were born towards the centre and saluted in due form, and the colour party marched ■lowly to the position opened for it in the rank, while the band played the National Anthem. His royal highness then returned to the flagstaff, and the royal salute having been given the ranks were closed broken into columns to the right, and marched past. This ended the ceremonial, and the guests were then entertained at luncheon