Use of the Flag in Iraq

[Skunk]

Originally posted by shamrock_uk: Well, I don't quite get the flag thing either, although I wish it was something we did more over here. The British aren't patriotic enough, I think there's a balance. As for the orders they seem very sensible to me. The stars and stripes are a symbol for everything America stands for so it's a probably not a good idea to fly it everywhere (bearing in mind that the rest of the world sees a very different America to its citizens). Still, I don't see a problem with flying both side to side particularly, or even the US flag on its own providing it's in a US base.

It takes a different form in the British army. They are far more concerned about the honour of their regimental colours, flags and cap badges than the British flag. When the (believed to be fake) pictures of British soldiers abusing Iraqis surfaced, did the Regimental commander complain about the honour the country being smudged? No - he only complained about the regimental honour being besmirched.

Loyalty to the colours is usually VERY strong in British units - no less strong than the attachment to the US flag with US troops.

[shamrock_uk]

Ah, thanks for that Skunk, very interesting. Do I gather you're a military man yourself?

[Skunk]

Originally posted by shamrock_uk: Ah, thanks for that Skunk, very interesting. Do I gather you're a military man yourself?

Ex-military.

Here's the (old) colours of The Light Infrantry (for those who have never seen a British Regimental flag before):

(This one bears 32 battle honours)

The colours are no longer carried into war-zones anymore - since their original purpose (to provide a rallying point in the confusion of an open battle-field) has long since been superceded by the methods of modern warfare.

Check out an ex-Gloster's web-site, proudly displaying the flags of his regiment:
http://members.tripod.com/~Glosters/glosb.htm
Pride in the Colours remains strong long after people have left their regiment behind so I DO understand the US troops desire to fly their flag in Iraq - I just question how sensible it is.

[ 05-22-2004, 08:29 AM: Message edited by: Skunk ]

[promethius9594]

eh, doubt the email to be true.

several things lead me to believe this: its written a year into a war that has had a standing order for no outdoor flags to be flown the whole time. Tech Sergeants wouldnt deny an order like that. also, the email is a major clue... that email, with the name and all, would likely land the tech sergeant into a courts martial for insubordination and failure to act in accordance. this is not the behavior of a tech sergeant... this is the behavior of a phony who was either in the reserves previously, or is stateside in the reserves now.

[Davros]

My thoughts too Promethius. If it is a true letter then an insubordination charge is warranted at the least. If it ain't a true letter then it someone is trying to manipulate the strong emotive pull of their flag to the American populace for their own ends.

I am sure that it managed to lure in some of the unthinking patriotic out there in the wide wide lands of the world wide web where it was circulated, but I am thinking the majority had sense to see it for what it was.

[ 05-22-2004, 08:16 PM: Message edited by: Davros ]