The Colonel’s or King’s first battalion colour (Fig. 21) consists of a crimson silk banner, bearing an imperial crown surmounting the Royal Arms of Scotland. Under these are placed the motto, “En! Ferus Hostis” (Lo! A savage foe), and the Sphinx of Egypt. On either side is a column of seven tablets, in gold, each bearing the name of one of the following battle distinctions: Namur, 1695; Dettingen; Lincelles; Talavera; Barrosa; Fuentes d’Onor; Nive; Peninsula; Waterloo; Alma; Inkerman; Sevastopol; Egypt, 1882; Tel-el-Kebir; Suakin, 1885; South Africa, 1899-1902; Modder River.
The Lieutenant-Colonel’s or the King’s colour of the second battalion consists of a crimson silk banner bearing in the dexter canton a small Union Jack, whilst in the centre of the crimson field is an imperial crown, a Tudor rose, a thistle and shamrock, and the Sphinx of Egypt. On this flag is the motto, “Unita fortior” (By union stronger). Battle honours also appear.
The Major’s colour, which does not serve as that of the King’s colour, as there is no third battalion, bears the star of the Order of the Thistle, with a small Union Jack, from which issues a pile-wavy. There is also the Egyptian Sphinx, and a motto, “Nemo me impune lacessit” (No one provokes me with impunity).
The regimental colours of the Scots Guards consist of a full-size Union flag, emblazoned with a crown and Sphinx, and bear the badges of the companies, on lines similar to those laid down in connection with the two former regiments of Guards. The first twelve badges are as follows:—
1st Company.—A red lion standing on an imperial crown, all on a silver shield. The motto is “In defence.”
2nd Company.—A hand grenade with a lighted fuse and the motto “Terrorem affero” (I carry terror with me).
3rd Company.—The red rampant lion of Scotland. Motto, “Intrepidus” (Undaunted).
4th Company.—The cross with a representation of St. Andrew, upon a star of silver, all under a thistle. Motto, “Nemo me impune lacessit.”
5th Company.—A red lion, passant and full-faced, on a gold shield. Motto, “Timere nescius” (I do not know fear).
6th Company.—A blue griffin, on a gold shield, the badge of Edward III. Motto, “Belloque ferox” (And ferocious in war).