An army serjeant whose special duty it is to attend the regimental colors in the field.
The rank was created by George the Fourth, when prince regent, as a recognition of the conduct of non-commissioned officers in the Peninsular war.
1813. General Order, July 27, From the 25 June 1813 one Serjeant of the establishment in each Company of every Regiment of Infantry shall be designated ‘Colour Serjeant.’… The duty of attending the Colours in the field shall at all times be performed by the Colour Serjeant.
1841. Penny Cycl., XXI. 266/2. Four or six serjeants are charged with the important duty of guarding the colours of the regiment: they constantly attend the officers who carry them, and are called colour-serjeants.
