ourArmyCustomsTraditions

ORIGIN OFREGIMENTAL
MESS

In the early eighteenth century, younger members. They received It provided an
there were no barracks for the training that enabled them to serve opportunity for
British soldiers. Upon entering a as hosts of formal gatherings when the members
town, the Officers and men were they became senior members. to become
quartered wherever lodging was Besides entertaining guests, the better
available. They posted the unit formal Mess nights served to acquainted,
Colours at the Officers’ billet, impress upon the members the and it
which became the central meeting luxuries of life and gentlemanly developed a
place for all Officers awaiting behavior. sense of
orders from their Commanders. cohesion
The fraternal atmosphere that CUSTOMS IN THE MESS among the
developed from these meetings members of
fostered esprit de corps and Noisy behaviour, ragging, clinking the Unit.
camaraderie. The billet became of glasses, and other forms of
known as the Officers’ Mess. rowdyism in the Mess, should be
avoided, especially at the Mess
During the latter decades of the table. The forming of Mess
eighteenth century, some “cliques” should be avoided at all
Regiments did not have their own costs. They kill the family spirit in
Mess. Consequently, many British the Mess, besides causing a lot of
Officers turned to taverns as their bad feeling, which is very quickly
source of communal life. It was not evident to visitors and the rest of
until the nineteenth century that the Unit.
the Mess proper became an
established part of the British
Army.

The Regimental Mess served A member must realize that the habit
many important functions. It was of drinking too much is not clever,
not only a practical method of nor is it amusing for other members
dining in large units, but it of the Mess. Bad behaviour in the
provided an opportunity for the Mess will soon become common
members to become better knowledge in the Unit. The Messes
acquainted, and it developed a must model their behaviour and
sense of cohesion among the should be exemplary, as it has a
members of the Unit. It was also direct bearing on the discipline
an educational experience for the throughout the Unit.

Mess Customs 93

They should COMMANDING OFFICER IN are to be considerate and avoid
all stand up, THE MESS offending others who may wish to
greet him read, engage in conversation or
appropriately When the Commanding Officer some other entertainment.
and offer comes into the Mess, an
him a drink announcement by a member A senior ranked member if seen to
nearest must be made to all be without a chair, should be
present. They should all stand up, immediately offered one by the
greet him appropriately and offer junior.
him a drink before members
present may carry out their MESS HOSPITALITY
business. If seated, at the dining
table, Officers do not stand but The hospitality offered by
give a greeting. If the members of a Mess in any Unit is
Commanding Officer is already traditional. All visitors must be
present in the Mess, the Officer warmly welcomed by members
entering will come to attention present in the Mess. It must be
and greet him appropriately. remembered that the good name
of the Regiment and Unit,
depends to a large extent on the
courtesy extended towards
visitors in the Mess.

If the visitors are unaccompanied,
it is the responsibility of the senior
member present to look after the
comforts of the visitors, until the
particular member they are visiting
arrives.

GENERAL COURTESY The Mess steward is to be trained
TOWARDS MEMBERS OF THE to attend to the legitimate needs
MESS of a visitor promptly and
courteously in the absence of a
member of the Unit.

Whilst in the Mess, a member When guests are invited to the
must avoid playing the radio or Mess, every member of the Mess
television loudly. The reasons for must remember that he is a host
the observance of this etiquette and it is up to him to see that no

94 Mess Customs

guest is neglected. He should inform his wife on the etiquette to
particularly not spend the entire be observed in such matters. On the
evening with his own party or other hand, it is also up to the
partner but should move around gentlemen to move over to the
amongst the guests. This applies ladies, most of whom being the
equally to all other official wives of the member of the Unit, and
functions of the Unit and to which to engage them in conversation.
guests are invited.
CONVERSATION IN THE MESS
LADIES IN THE MESS
Discussions of routine work matters When guest
It is customary for ladies to be in the Mess are referred to as ‘talking are invited to
invited to certain special functions shop’. One of the oldest traditions the Mess,
in the Mess, for example, Mess prohibits its discussions in the every
Happy Hour, Festive Celebration Mess. However, work matters of member of
and so on. Any lady entering the general interest to all are permissible the Mess
Mess is always treated with the subjects for discussion in most must
utmost courtesy. Messes. remember
that he is a
In certain Messes when ladies Loose gossip is prohibited in the host and it is
are entertained, as on a Guest Mess. Controversial subjects up to him to
Night for example, the members’ such as religion or politics should see that no
wives are normally treated as not be discussed in the Mess for guest is
guests and the charges fear of its adverse gastronomical neglected.
legitimately debited to the Mess consequences if not any more
guests fund. The most troublesome results. Religion,
appropriate eating arrangement women and politics are subjects
for events when ladies are taboo in the Mess, as in the past
invited to the Mess is the buffet differences of opinion in these
style. After the meal, suitable matters often leads to fights. The
games may be played such as use of swearing words, apart from
games of skill and so on. Simple being most ungentlemanly, is
quizzes are also entertaining and prohibited in a Mess.
may even be played before
going into dinner. In the presence of very senior
Officers the correct manner to adopt,
When being entertained in the is of a retiring nature. In general, care
Mess, it is correct for ladies to should be taken to avoid offending
move around and converse with him/her when relating personal
hosts and guests present. If experiences. On the other hand, be
necessary the member should a good listener.

Mess Customs 95

Excessive RESTRICTION ON DRINKS food & beverages consumed by
drinking of members, being asked questions
alcohol may In order to avoid heavy Mess bills and should he not give the correct
occasionally and alcoholism, it is the acceptable answer (most of which he could
lead to practice for the Commanding not answer), is made to drink
misbehaviour Officer to impose monetary limits alcoholic drinks (mixed with
and on the member’s Mess accounts. unthinkable concoctions) till he
disrespect Excessive consumption of alcohol, vomits. Other times, new members
for others mainly brought about by the go through a “baptism” shower
around pernicious habit of ‘alcoholism’, (mixed with soap water and ice).
them. has been the downfall of promising Mostly, these were done for
members, and their career abruptly entertainment purpose to test the
ended for no other reason. new members’ toughness,
Excessive drinking of alcohol may determination and sporty-ness. He
occasionally lead to misbehaviour must be able to adhere to
and disrespect for others around instruction and “abuses” yet keep
them. his cool. All these happened
away from the view of junior
PUNCTUALITY commanders or men (including
Mess Steward or Mess-boys).
In the interests of efficiency in the
running of any Mess, it is essential The initiation completes with
that all its members are punctual a toast proposed to the
for all functions or activities of the Commanding Officer, the PMC and
Mess. Members are expected to members of the Mess, by the new
arrive at least ten minutes before members. The initiatees get to
the time announced. The host or clean the Mess thereafter.
the President of the Mess
Committee greets the Guest of Today, it is still customary that
Honour at the entrance of the new members of the Mess are
building or Mess. He escorts the initiated. Its purpose still remain
Guest of Honour to greet and the same, i.e. is for introductory
introduce him to anyone he has reasons and to welcome members
not already met. to the Mess and Unit. However,
the “ragging” has stopped.
MESS INITIATION
IMPROPER MESS ETIQUETTE
In the past, a member-to-be has to
go through an acceptance regime The following are some examples
when he is made to foot the bill for of improper behaviour in the

96 Mess Customs

Mess:
1. Late for Mess events.
2. Loud and obtrusive language.
3. Leaving an organised event

without permission from the
PMC.
4. Foul language.
5. Improperly dressed
6. Excessive consumption of
alcholic drinks
7. Unruly behavior

Mess Customs 97



Military
Dining-In

Origin of Military Dining-In
Rationale Behind Dining-In
‘Punch’ Ceremony
Dining Call
Posting of Colours
Uniform and Dress
Seating & Table
Arrangement
Mr Vice
Table Manners
Passing the Port Decanter
Toast
Custom of Inviting the
Band Master
The Band in Attendance
After Dinner Games
Guests



ORIGIN OFMILITARY occasionally held in Units and
DINING-IN Formations in the SAF. The dining-
in provides an occasion for Officers
The exact origin of the Dining-in and Warrant Officers to meet
is not known. It is believed, socially at a formal military function.
however, that the practice dates This is effective in building and
back to an old Viking tradition of maintaining military tradition, morale
holding formal ceremonies to and espirit de corps.
celebrate great battles and feats
of heroism. These ceremonies Apart from adding significance to Traditionally,
usually included a dinner of fine the occasion, the dining-in is also dining-in is
food, drinks, and fellowship. Later to familiarise the Officers and held in camp
this custom spread to the Warrant Officers with the premises /
monasteries, universities, and, proceedings, formalities and Messes and
eventually, to the Military courtesies practised at such a the attire worn
Officers’ Mess. function. The essentially simple by military
procedures, which have become personnel is
During the early eighteenth established, heighten the enjoyment the Mess Kit
century, the British Army of the meal and impart graciousness (No 2 uniform)
incorporated the practice of formal to the occasion not often, found
dining into their regimental Mess elsewhere.
system. Customs and rules of the
mess were soon institutionalized Traditionally, dining-in is held in
in the Queen’s Regulations that camp premises / Messes and the
governed the actions and conduct attire worn by military personnel is
of the British Army. The mess was the Mess Kit (No 2 uniform).
a home for the bachelor Officers, However, some may wish to
a club for all Officers, and the organise their dining-in outside the
centre of social activity at the camp premises such as hotel
military garrison. An important function rooms, restaurants or at
feature of the Mess was Mess private clubs. The organisers of the
night. Usually held once a week, dining-in must observe and
it was a formal mandatory maintain the decorum and traditions
gathering of the Officers of the of the military dining-in procedures.
Regiment. The purpose of the
dinner was to bring the Officers
together in a fraternal atmosphere
and to make them aware of the
luxuries of life. The Mess night or
Dining-In became a tradition in all
British regiments.

Military dining-in is a formal
military function, which is

Military Dining-In 101

The dinner RATIONALE BEHIND When invited, however, each
may be held DINING-IN Officer of the command should
to recognize consider his attendance as
the The Dining-in is a formal dinner obligatory. Absence should occur
achievments held by a Military Unit. The only for valid reasons and with the
of a Unit, to rationale prompting the event approval of the Commanding
build and may vary. The dinner may be held Officer.
maintain to recognize the achievements of
esprit de a Unit, to build and maintain esprit Dining-ins are often held on
corps among de corps among the Officers of special occasions such as
the Officers their command, etc. celebrating a unit’s anniversary, a
of their Graduation, etc.
command. With the addition of female
Officers, the Dining-in has ‘PUNCH’ CEREMONY
changed from being a stag affair.
Moreover, some units The ‘Punch’ Ceremony is held
occasionally invite spouses. This before the dinner in an area
is an excellent opportunity to adjacent to the dining room. The
introduce the spouses to the purpose is to provide a proper
Army’s history, customs, and forum for reading the Unit’s
traditions, and their attendance lineage and concocting a mixture
often stimulates greater interest that embodies the experiences of
and participation in the event. the unit’s past. The procedure
requires a Master of Ceremony, a
The motivation for attending the Master of Punch, a mixer(s), and
Dining-in should be a sincere assistants.
desire on the part of the Unit’s
Officers for camaraderie and DINING CALL
perpetuation of a tradition; not the
coercion of a command It is customary that two bugle calls
performance. The real benefit of be given. Normally the first call
the dinner comes from wanting to (Dress up Call) is for diners to
attend, not having to attend. prepare themselves before dinner,
e.g. going to the washroom, ease
oneself etc, whilst the other
(Dinner Call) is a signal for all
diners to proceed to their seat in
the Dining Hall. The President/
Host and Guest of Honour would
make their entrance after all Diners
take to their tables.

102 Military Dining-In

Marching in the Colours Marching out the Colours is done Posting of
when the diners have adjourned for Colours may
POSTING OF COLOURS a break out of the hall or into another take place
hall where games are played. prior to the
It is customary that the Regimental dining-in
Colours are displayed and However, Unit Commanders may proper and
installed in the Messes. In the choose to march-in and out the are normally
SAF, Colours are safe-kept in the Colours in the presence of the pre-posted
Commanding Officer’s Office. diners. The intent is clearly to by Colours
explain its significance and display Ensigns.
On the other hand, all military their unit’s pride and honour. In such
dining-in of British Units are held activity, no salutes shall be given
within their Mess hall. Owing to by all present, instead the Master-
the space constraint to of-Ceremony will announce for all
accommodate her members in the to rise as a gesture of decorum to
Mess, the SAF Army utilises the Colours.
public facilities to conduct their
Military Dining-in. Therefore, the UNIFORM AND DRESS
Colours will need to be
transported to the location of the A Military Dining-in is a formal
event. occasion; Mess Kit (No.2 Dress) is
the appropriate attire to be worn.
Posting of Colours may take place Wearing of miniature medals are
prior to the dining-in proper and worn in accordance with the SAF
are normally pre-posted by Dress Regulations. Civilian guests
Colours Ensigns. may be invited on special occasions
thus their attire would be Lounge
Only in the year 2003, the Ensign Suit for men and Evening Dress or
Officers were allowed to wear their National Dress for ladies.
Mess Kit (No. 2 Dress) to install
the Colours. This is to enable the
Ensign Officer to join in for the
Dining-in, in proper dress unlike
their predecessors who don No 1
Dress.

Military Dining-In 103

The seating SEATING AND TABLE during the dining-in on the
arrangement ARRANGEMENTS instruction of the President, who
and layout will hit the gavel with a mallet three
should be OIC Invitation and Seating Plan times to summon Mr. Vice to
displayed in will be responsible for the seating propose the toast.
the cocktail arrangement according to protocol
reception and the labelling of seats at the TABLE MANNERS
area. head table. The seating
arrangement and layout should be Good table manners are good
displayed in the cocktail reception table manners anywhere. Customs
area in order that all are informed may vary, but good fundamentals
of their respective seating in eating are generally the same. It
arrangement. takes practice before the use of
table silver and other table
The Host and the Dining manners become easy and
President will be seated at the head automatic. Mealtime is the time for
table. This is to ensure that proper enjoyment, not only for the food,
etiquette is observed and Mr Vice but also the company of others.
will sit at the end of the “finger Pleasant conversation, coupled
table”, nearer to the head table. with the relaxation that comes with
knowing what to do enhances the
The tables and chairs at the head occasion.
table must be checked to make
sure that they are firm and in good a. Posture
condition. A spare chair is kept at
the side of the dining area. This is Sit up straight; avoid
for the Director of Music of the clutching and keep elbows off
Band-in-Attendance. the table when eating.

MR. VICE b. Napkin

He is usually a youngest or a (1) Should not be used as a
Junior Officer and is given the bib.
honour to propose the toast
(2) Napkin always goes on the
lap.

(3) Napkin should not be
opened till dinner is ready
to be served.

(4) It should be used as a
substitute handkerchief.

104 Military Dining-In

(5) When leaving the table in e. Handling of cutlery You may
between courses, napkin begin eating
should be placed on the (1) Do not wave cutlery in the when the
seat or on the armrest. air. head table
starts with
(6) When the meal is over, (2) Never put cutlery on edge the 1ST item
napkin should be refolded of the plate and resting on on the
loosely and placed on the the table. menu.
table.
f. Beverages
c. When to begin eating
(1) If wine is served at each
(1) You may begin eating when course, this should be
the head table starts with finished with the food.
the 1st item on the menu.
g. Passing items at table
d. Table Setting
(1) Never stretch out across a
Table Setting (Note: The Mallet and table, always ask for the item
Gavel above) to be passed.

(1) All tables are set alike to (2) Salt and Pepper shakes
accommodate right- should always be passed
handed people. together even though one is
requested.
(2) Glass on the right, side
plate on the left. (3) Items with handle should be
passed with the handle
(3) Fish fork, Dinner fork on the facing the person who
left. requested it.

(4) Dinner knife, Fish knife, h. Conversation
Spoon on the right.
(1) Everyone has a duty to talk
(5) Dessert fork and spoon on to the person sitting on
the top. either side.

(2) The volume and tone of
voice is important and must
be regulated.

Military Dining-In 105

i. Toasting while everyone else stands
and you do not sip your
It is (1) Nowadays, one does not drink or you will be
disrespectful drain a glass of drinking to yourself. After
for anyone champagne or wine – a everyone sits down, you
not to favourite for toast, but take may rise and thank them
participate in a sip or two so there will and offer a toast in return.
a toast. be plenty of wine left for
other toasts. Upon j. Coffee Time
informal occasions, any
drink at hand may be used (1) After the toast, coffee is
when making a toast. It is served.
the word of love
appreciation and respect (2) The creamer set is placed
which are shown to the on the table which
person toasted, which is contains: brown sugar and
important. creamer goes with coffee,
white sugar and milk goes
(2) It is disrespectful for with tea, but this can be
anyone not to participate changed depending on
in a toast; a “teetotaller” personal preference.
need only go through the
motions of holding the k. Smoking
glass to his lips.
Smoking is not allowed at the
(3) In a dining-in, toast is dinner table.
generally given at the end
of the dinner, during or l. When to leave
after dessert as soon as the
wine/champagne is served If a guest of honour or VIP is
and before any speeches present, no one leave until the
are made. VIP or guest of honour takes
leave.
(4) When you are the one
making the toast at a formal PASSING THE PORT
occasion, you must have DECANTER
advance information about
the person or persons to
be toasted in order that
your remarks are accurate.

(5) When you are receiving a
toast, you remain seated

106 Military Dining-In

The Port decanters are uncorked, It is also believed that this custom The custom
passed always to the left, and then came into wide acceptance after the of “Toasting”
stopped, before the Loyal Toast. effect of poison was discovered. goes back to
This practice suggests that the When two persons drank from the ancient
wine is served only for that same source at the same instant, and times, when
purpose. If the port is passed suffered no ill effects, a degree of a piece of
again the decanters remain mutual trust and rapport could be toast was
unstopped until they are removed. established. Nowadays, one does placed in the
The origin of the custom of not drain a glass of champagne or goblet with
passing the port always to the left wine – a favourites for toasts. On the mead, or
is uncertain. It may be merely the contrary, a sip or two should be an alcoholic
symbolic of the movement of the taken so there will be plenty of wine brew.
earth in turning toward the sun, left for other toast. During informal
which ripens the grape. occasions, almost any liquid at hand
may be used when making a toast.
The custom, which we know from
early biblical times of protecting a In dining-in, after the desserts have
man while he is drinking, been served, the tables are cleared
continued into a more recent era. except for port glasses, centrepieces,
When the cup of cheer was being trophies, candles and floral
passed two men stood at a time, arrangements. Decanters are then
one to drink and the second, on placed onto the table in front of the
his left, to defend him with a Host / Dining President and the
sword from attack in the rear. As Guest-of-Honour. Additional
the first finished he passed the decanters are placed at the other
cup to his defender, and the man tables. The Host / Dining President
on his left stood up. and Guest-of-Honour will remove
the stoppers and place it on the
TOAST table before pouring the port into
their own glasses. They will then
The significance of toasting - pass the decanters to their left and
Toasts are given during various right respectively. Those with
occasions, formally and decanters in front of them will then
informally. The custom of pour a little port into their own
“Toasting” goes back to ancient glasses. The decanter is then
times, when a piece of toast was passed to the next person. As the
placed in the goblet with the decanter is passed round the table,
mead, or an alcoholic brew. When stewards will replace empty
it became saturated, the toast sank decanters or serve water to officers
to the bottom of the goblet, and who cannot consume the port. The
after someone challenged “Toast”
it was necessary to drain the
goblet in order to get to the toast.

Military Dining-In 107

If there are waiters/waitresses will then return 4. All present will then raise their
foeign guests the decanters to the centre of the glasses and repeat, “The
in the dining- main table. The male diner should President”. They will then
in, it may be fill the glass of the lady seated on drink their toasts and resume
considered his left side. (The banquet their seats.
an manager/supervisor will then
appropriate inform the Host / Dining President It is not necessary or proper to
gesture to when everyone’s glass is filled and drain the glass at the completion
propose a the Host / Dining-in President will of each toast. It is disrespectful for
toast to his/ commence the toast.) anyone not to participate in a toast.
her Head of A mere touch of the glass to the
State. When there are no foreign guests lips satisfies the ceremonial
involved, the toasting procedure requirement.
will be as follows:
If there are foreign guests in the
1. The President remains seated. dining-in, it may be considered an
He will call the diners to order appropriate gesture to propose a
by knocking on the gavel three toast to his/her Head of State. The
times with the mallet and says, order of precedence is based on
“Mr Vice, The President”. alphabetical order of the countries.
However, if foreign guests are
2. Mr. Vice will rise and say, present in person, the toasts are
“Ladies and Gentlemen”. This made in the order of protocol. The
is the cue for all to rise, leaving officer concerned should be
their glasses on the table. The consulted beforehand to ascertain
Vice proposes the toast by his/her agreement. This toast is
saying, “May I propose a toast customarily followed by the
to the President of the national anthem of the country
Republic of Singapore” concerned.

3. The Band-in-Attendance will CUSTOM OF INVITING THE
play the National Anthem (half BAND MASTER
score and no singing). When
the anthem is over, Mr Vice
raises the glass and continues
by saying, “To the President”.

108 Military Dining-In

It is customary for the Guest of etiquette and protocol are adhered
Honour (GOH) to meet the Director to. Some of these are as follows:
of Music towards the end of the
dining-in . 1. When foreign guest is invited
to the Dining-in, it is appropriate
The Director of Band is offered a to invite persons who have
drink by the GOH. This gesture is visited or have a special interest
to thank the band for providing in the guest’s country to interact
entertainment during the dinner. with one another.

THE BAND INATTENDANCE 2. Language must be considered. It is
If a foreign guest does not customary
The SAF Band shall perform speak fluent English, it is for the Guest
during the dining-in upon request. important to have someone of Honour
The organising committee will who speaks his language seated (GOH) to
brief the Director of Music on the nearby to act as an interpreter meet the
order of proceedings for the night. or table companion. Director of
Music
AFTER DINNER GAMES 3. The personality and interests of towards the
the guests should be considered end of the
Games are an important part of the in the seating arrangements. A dining-in as
Dining-in tradition. If well planned person(s) withsimilar interests a gesture of
and properly conducted, they should be seated next to the showing
tend to develop camaraderie and guests. appreciation
teamwork among the Officers. to the
Certain games require the Units to 4. Protocol requires that all guests musicians.
select teams and conduct invited to the Dining-in to be
rehearsals before the Dining-In. seated according to their rank.
These stimulates additional
interest in the event and
encourages Officers to attend.

GUESTS

The selection of the guest list is
an important function in the
planning process for the Dining-
In. It is prepared in accordance
with the desires of the commander
of the Unit hosting the function. If
the list includes dignitaries,
coordination should be made with
the appropriate protocol office to
ensure that the proper rules of

Military Dining-In 109



Military
Wedding

Introduction
Sword Bearers
Arch of Swords Ceremony
Cutting the Wedding Cake



INTRODUCTION

The term military wedding is Rehearsals must be conducted to Customarily,
generally used when the groom ensure that synchronisation is six, to a
and the groomsman are in military achieved. On the day of the maximum of
uniform and the bride and groom wedding, all commands should be twelve sword
pass through under the traditional given loud enough for only the bearers, take
arch of swords. The tradition of sword bearers to hear. Usually, part in the
the military wedding inherited from simple orders like “Ready, Up!” to ceremony.
the British is usually the choice of replace commands to signify an
the bride and groom who wants action to be taken. They will form
both colour and ritual ceremony. two rows, draw swords and march
It can be a spectacular memory for down the aisle. Halt and turn
those who are authorised to be inward to face each another. Upon
married in the military uniform. orders, the sword bearers carry out
Military wedding is accorded to all the following actions:
SAF Officers.

SWORD BEARERS

The ushers usually act as sword
bearers, but other Officers may be
designated for the arch of swords
ceremony following the wedding
vows.

ARCH OF SWORDS 1. Arch Sword - The sword shall
CEREMONY be brought to the Recovery
before thrusting the point of
The custom at an Officer’s the sword upwards – tips
wedding of forming an archway touching the tip of the
of swords, with their cutting edges opposite sword bearer. Care
sideways symbolises the guarding should be taken to turn the
of the couple as they enter upon swords so that the cutting
their married life. edge faces sidewards.

Customarily, six, to a maximum of 2. Carry Sword – (from the Arch
twelve sword bearers, (usually Sword Position) Bring the
lower or same rank as the Groom) sword to the Recovery before
take part in the ceremony. assuming the Carry Position.

Military Wedding 113

The arch of This is done after the Bride & of all present to display their
swords may be Groom have past under the unconditional love or the Groom
formed again Arched Sabres. carrying his Bride in his arms and
before the walking through the Arch of
Bride and 3. Thereafter, the sword bearers Swords.
Groom leaves shall execute an outward turn
the Church or and march towards the It is to be remembered that only
dinner hall. entrance where the sword shall Commissioned Officers participate
be returned to their scabbard. in the arch of swords.

The arch of swords may be formed CUTTING THE WEDDING CAKE
again before the Bride and Groom
leaves the Church or dinner hall in On command, the sword bearers
the same manner as prescribed enter the reception room in
above. formation lining up in front of the
wedding cake, facing each other.

The bride and groom leave their
table, and then pass beneath the
arch. They may pause and kiss,
before proceeding to cut the cake.

The groom would then hand the
bride his unsheathed sword and
with his hands over hers, their first
piece is cut.

There is no ornamentation
attached to the sword (e.g.
ribbon). It must remain
undecorated.

It is also a common practice that
newly wed couple approaching
the first sword bearer that the arch
sword of the first pair shall be
lowered to “disallow” them entry
until they fulfil a reasonable wish
like kissing one another in the view

114 Military Wedding

Do You
Know...?

How Armies Evolved
How the first Military
Company was a
Commercial Company
How the Regiment came
into being
Why a Lieutenant General
Ranks above Major
General
Cadence Marching
Development of the
Combat Arms
Queen of the Battlefield
Cavalry / Armour
Engineers
Medical Corps
Military Police
Quartermaster and
Logistician
Evolution of Weapons
Gunpowder
Handguns
What’s in a Rank
Quarter Guard
Gun Salutes
Straits Settlement’s Coat
of Arms
Interesting facts about
Flags
Military Funeral
Types of Military Funeral in
the SAF

Dressing the Deceased
Dressing the Coffin
Transporting the Deceased
Mourning Armband
Vigil Guards
Customs Regarding Dress
Resting on Arms Reversed
Military Funeral
Gun Carriage
Military Band
Eulogy
Wreath
Half Mast
Firing of Volleys
The Last Post
Reveille or Rouse

HOW ARMIES EVOLVED

Colonel Ardant duPicq wrote, Centuries have not changed human nature,” wrote ARDEN
“Passions, instincts particularly
the most powerful instinct of self- basis, men of substance investing Singapore is
preservation — these things are money according to their means in in the
expressed differently in the buying and equipping of process of
accordance with the times, the recruits, and taking rank according developing its
circumstances, the character and to the amount of their investment. own
temperament of races. But, The profits consisted of plunder and distinctive
beneath it all, the same man is to of ransom for wealthy prisoners; military
be found.” and, when weary of the profession, system, its
they sold their shares in the own brand of
Singapore is in the process of company to anyone who would buy. soldier, “in
developing its own distinctive accordance
military system, its own brand of The companies varied in strength with the
soldier, “in accordance with the from tens to hundreds, and even times, the
times, the circumstances, the thousands, and the symbol of their circumstances,
character and temperament of our corporate existence was their flags the character
races.” or colours by which they set great and
store, especially among the German temperament
The future will tell how good the bands. If by chance any disgrace of our races”.
Singaporean product is. But to fell upon a German company, the
visualize our Military’s future we Colours were furled, planted upside
must know something of its past. down in the ground, and not flown
again until the culprits responsible
HOWTHE FIRST MILITARY for the crime had been tried and
COMPANY WAS A punished by an assembly of the
COMMERCIALCOMPANY whole company. It is from these
companies that fifes and drums and
In about the fourteenth century, many of our military terms are
when firearms began to appear on borrowed.
the field of battle, there grew up
mercenary bands of professional The mercenary system reached its
soldiers in Switzerland, Italy and best-developed form in Italy.
Germany, whose leaders would Intense economic rivalry among the
accept contracts to fight for or rich trading republics (Venice, Milan,
against anyone. These bands Florence, etc.) made it necessary for
were known as companies, and each to have its own army. The
were formed on a commercial

Do You Know...? 117

They began services of English and Swiss WHY A LIEUTENANT
to be fighters were particularly sought GENERAL RANKS ABOVE
collected after. Most military terms are MAJOR GENERAL
into groups therefore derived from the Italians.
under the In the Army, a Major is senior to a
rule or HOW THE REGIMENT CAME Lieutenant. So why does a Major-
regiment of INTO BEING General rank below a Lieutenant-
a single General?
Officer who An administrative organization
was called was needed to control the The rank of Major-General was
the Colonel. companies. So they began to be originally known as “Sergeant-
collected into groups under the Major General”, later shortened to
rule or regiment of a single Officer its present use. The rank of full
who was called the Colonel. General was known as “Captain-
General.” This explains our
The regiment bore the name of the present General Officer ranks of
man who raised it or who (in descending order): General,
succeeded in its command. This Lieutenant-General, Major-
practice continued down till the General. For starters, since a Major
nineteenth century, although and Captain are both higher up the
numbers began to replace names chain of command than a
in the eighteenth. Lieutenant, why is a Lieutenant-
General above a Major-General?
The Colonel retained command of
his original company. His second- The answer is found in the original
in-command was the next highest meaning of the word. Lieu comes
ranking company commander, from the Latin term for “place”
who, likewise, retained command (locus) – so “in lieu of” is another
of his company. In his new way of saying “in place of.”
capacity, the second-in-command Tenant comes from the Latin word
was the staff officer of the for “holding” (tenere.) Put them
regiment and had the title of together and you have someone
Sergeant Major. who holds another’s place or
position. A Lieutenant is a deputy
Since the Colonel was often or substitute who acts for a
absent from the regiment, a superior.A “Lieutenant-Colonel”
Lieutenant Colonel was needed is immediately under a Colonel,
to run the show. His title literally therefore, and a “Lieutenant-
means, “taking the place of the General” is the closest person to
colonel.” a full-fledged General.

118 Do You Know...?

CADENCE MARCHING Infantry supremacy died. It was Infantry
almost a thousand years before was the
Primitive armies marched in a Infantry was again the decisive “Queen of
column-of-bunches formation arm. Battles” in
without any attempt at keeping in ancient
step with each other. When During the feudal epoch, the man warfare
tactical formations were on horseback ruled the battle- and still is
developed, it became necessary field. Foot soldiers were, for the today.
for men to keep step. But the idea most part, ragged mobs of
of keeping step during marches unkempt, undisciplined, poorly
was a Roman innovation. The armed soldiers who just couldn’t
drum was used to beat time. The afford to buy a horse and
regular rhythm of cadence equipment.
marching that moves tired troops
along with a little more spirit and Within the general designation of
efficiency, particularly if the step “infantry” there have been many
is set by music. The SAF / Army different kinds of “soldiers who
parade marches at a cadence of fight on foot.”
120 paces per minute.
CAVALRY/ARMOUR
DEVELOPMENT OF THE
COMBAT ARMS In ancient times Cavalry was a very
subordinate arm. It was not until the
Armies are composed of “combat development of the stirrup that a
arms” which do the actual fighting man on horseback could use
and “supporting services” which weapons in a manner that made him
back them up administratively. The a serious menace to disciplined foot
“Arms” in a modern army are troops.
Infantry, Armour and Artillery.
The “Services” are Quartermaster, It seems stirrups appeared in Europe
Medical, Ordnance, Chemical, around AD 550. Although
Transportation, Engineers, authorities are wary of giving the
Signal and Military Police. date it was “invented,” they seem
to agree that it started as a simple
QUEEN OFTHE BATTLEFIELD loop fixed to the end of the saddle
skirt.
Infantry was the “Queen of
Battles” in ancient warfare and Even the most confirmed pedestrian
still is today. With the decline will understand, however, that
of the Romans, however, without stirrups the man on

Do You Know...? 119

horseback can be considered MILITARY POLICE
nothing more than a nuisance in
battle. With both hands free to
handle a weapon, he becomes
something to contend with.

ENGINEERS

A surgeon The engineer was at one time It may be that Military Police were
was assigned considered a civilian and was created to perform the same function
to each responsible for fortifications, field for which Marines were first used to
company. works and planning. The word is protect the Officers from their men.
derived from the Latin and meant
“ingenious”, thus indicating the According to C. C. Soden,
cleverness of the individual. recruiting methods reached
intolerable extremes in 1740 to
MEDICAL CORPS replace heavy casualties in
Flanders. The “pressed men” took
Up until the sixteenth-century advantage of any opportunity to
German mercenaries, no doctors express their aversion to military
accompanied Military Units. life by knocking off an Officer.
During the wars of the Middle Trustworthy soldiers were
Ages the sick and wounded were selected to protect Officers’
left to make out as best they could. quarters and to guard them against
If they got any attention it was ambush on the way to work.
from private citizens who took pity
on them, or from monks who, in A century later when the original
those days, were the only people need had disappeared, the “Watch
who knew anything about Guards” were reorganized and
medicine or surgery. assigned a true “military police”
role. The office of “Provost” was
A surgeon was assigned to each then created to control them.
company. When the practice of
surgery passed from the hands of
the monks to those of the barbers,
the change was recollected in the
seventeenth – century military
organisation of the Prussians:
Feldschere (field barbers) were
attached for surgical duties.

120 Do You Know...?

QUARTER MASTER AND weapons. Rock throwing must have
LOGISTICIAN been the first development in this
direction. Then a stone was tied to
The office of Quartermaster goes a piece of vine or leather thong,
back to the sixteenth-century . His whirled and let loose. This increased
original job was to find quarters range but decreased accuracy; the
and rations for the men. In science of “exterior ballistics” was
connection with the first duty, the born.
“quarter-master” of necessity had
the function of reconnaissance. Slope brown survivors of early The word
“meeting engagements” soon “Logistics” is
The word “Logistics” is derived learned that weapons could be derived from
from the Greek adjective classified as offensive or defensive. the Greek
“Logistikos”, meaning “skilled in Early man probably devoted more adjective
caculating”. The first use of the “thought” to providing himself with “Logistikos”,
word is attributed to the “Logista” a satisfactory club for close in meaning
or military administrative officials. protection than he did to the “skilled in
perfection of his rock slinging style. caculating”.
However, its first use in the
concept of military operations was The club must have been the
by French writer Jomini. In 1838, weapon man first made for himself.
he devised a theory of war upon The sling, the spear and the stone
the trinity of strength, tatics and axe probably followed in roughly
logistics. that sequence. The shield certainly
occurred to somebody early in the
Today, lostics is defined as the game.
“science and art of moving and
sustaining armed forces”. This But a characteristic of armament
means getting the right men and races is that as soon as a new
materials, in the right quantities, weapon is developed to give its user
to the right place, at the right time. an advantage over the foe, there are
always enough survivors of the first
EVOLUTION OF WEAPONS defeat to steal the idea and use it
against its inventor.
The object of fighting has always
been to defeat or drive away the So along came the early refinements
enemy while keeping yourself a of the basic club and thrown stone.
maximum distance from him. Our Men learned to chip flint so that
ancestors therefore looked for stones could be shaped into
ways to increase the range of stronger and more effective axe

Do You Know...? 121

The catapult, heads. Throwing sticks were history, but we must not confuse
ballista and developed to give spears more them with explosive compounds.
battering range; arrowheads and spearheads
ram-were were fashioned. The bow was Gunpowder’s main use in
really nothing invented. fourteenth-century warfare was in
but huge cannon to knock down the
“improved” Around 5000 B.C. it was found walls of fortresses and cities.
slings, bows that a certain kind of rock could be
and clubs. hammered into desired shapes. HANDGUNS
About 2,000 years later a piece of
this rock happened to get next to a Italy took the lead in the
fire and a little pool of bright liquid development of handguns. The
formed. Copper had been early handguns were not as
discovered and began to be used effective as the longbow. Not until
for weapons. Later some tin 1420 did they evolve into
accidentally got mixed in with a something that could be aimed
batch of copper and the result was from the shoulder.
bronze. It was more difficult to
work, but it took a real edge and Handguns gradually developed
was much harder than copper. into the hackbut, caliver and
musket. Eventually they replaced
Progress in the development of the longbow, not because they
weapons was restricted for were more effective, but because
centuries to improvements in the a recruit could acquire reasonable
basic prehistoric arms. The proficiency with them faster than
tremendous and ingenious war he could learn to shoot a longbow
engines of the Romans and of the accurately.
Middle Ages—the catapult,
ballista and battering ram—were After the invention of gunpowder,
really nothing but “improved” the evolution of weapons again
slings, bows and clubs. became a matter of relatively minor
perfections : stronger gun tubes,
GUNPOWDER more manageable handguns, better
means of transporting artillery,
The next big development was breech rather than muzzle loading,
gunpowder, which appeared in the more powerful powder, invention
beginning of the fourteenth of a recoil mechanism, etc.
century. Various incendiary
compounds such as “Greek fire”
had been used since the dawn of

122 Do You Know...?

WHAT’S IN A RANK also to equip their sons and personal
servants and send them out to do
Did you ever wonder where the battle in the names of feudal lords.
term “Sergeant-Major came from? As a mark of respect, these sons
Or why private soldiers were and personal servants of the great
called “Privates” originally? vassals were put in charge of
groups of field serfs and others with
The actual origin of the word is a lesser station in life. After a few
somewhat obscure, but basically nomenclature changes, the general
the word “private” denotes a term of “servienties’’ which was
soldier, who is so to speak, at the applied to the vassals’ son was
bottom of the ladder. finally corrupted to become
sergeant.
This is the accepted modern
meaning of the word, but in the Staff-Sergeant was a later The title
past the Private has been known innovation, when a sergeant, often Sergeant-
as man-at-arms, archer, sentinel, the eldest son of the most powerful Major was
sentry, common soldier, private of the greater vassals who owed orginally that
soldier, trooper, sapper and a dozen allegiances to a particular baron was of the
other titles, including rank and file. selected to carry the coat-arms of Sergeant-
that baron into battle. The banner Major-
Corporal is a word from the Latin bearing his heraldic device was General.
word “coporale” which means raised on a pole or staff and so staff-
caput, a head – meaning a head, sergeant became an accepted rank
or leader –corporal being the in the British Army. Theoretically the
leader of a section. “Corporal” is Colours Sergeant carried the
an English corruption of Colours of his regiment into battle.
“caporale.” In practice however, this hazardous
duty usually fell to the junior
The term Sergeant dates back to subalterns and ensigns in the
the English Feudal system. regiment.
Various feudal barons were
inclined to have tilts at the throne The title Sergeant-Major was
of England from time to time, and originally that of the Sergeant-
for this purpose they needed men- Major-General. This term was later
at-arms. So great did their reduced to become Major-General.
demands become upon the – this being the Major or senior
vassals of the day that these General. Later the title was changed
landowners were forced to provide again to become the present day
not only serfs from the fields, but

Do You Know...? 123

Major. By the end of the 17th instance the Captain of Industry”.
Century, Sergeant-Major was the But even in the military sphere the
Senior Sergeant. His bade or rank term once applied a great power of
was at one time, four stripes or command and a greater importance
chevrons worn on the right sleeve than today.
of his uniform and surmounted by
a crown. In 1881 the Sergeant- The term “General” is of Roman
Major were given Warrant rank, origin and denotes one who was
thus becoming Warrant Officers, in general command, the “Captain-
as they are commonly known General” being the highest of he
today. general staff.

The oldest of Second-Lieutenent were in a class QUARTER GUARD
all military of their own and known as
titles is that of “sulbaltern”, derived from Latin Originally applied to the guard
Captain. It word “sub” meaning under and the placed over quarters (barrack,
comes from German or Saxon word “altern” billets or camps) to prevent any
the Spanish meaning elder – thereby disturbance within the quarters.
word signifying juniors. However They always faced inwards.
“Captain”. present day usage groups all
junior Officers as sulbalterns. GUN SALUTES

Lieutenant comes from the French The origins of salutes fired with
word “lieu”, in place of, ad personal weapons, field pieces
“tenant” – Latin tenens, holding or ships’ cannons are a little
or one who holds the place or obscure. Noise has long been a
deputises for another. A form of celebration and it is
Lieutenant, of course, is the perhaps for this reason that
Officer next below a captain and firearms were adopted as a means
deputises for him. This deputising of salute. Another possible
by Lieutenant also holds explanation that has been
for Lieutenant-General and advanced suggests that the
Lieutenant-Colonel. salute was originally a signal of
trust originating around the
The oldest of all military titles is fourteenth century. In the days
that of Captain. It comes from the of muzzle loading cannons, it
Spanish word “Captain” which is took a while to reload a ship’s
once again derived from the Latin armament once it had been fired.
word “Caput” a head. It has many Thus, when approaching a
non-military applications; for foreign port or another friendly

124 Do You Know...?

ship, all of the cannons on board 13 September 1948. They are derived The Arms
would be fired to show that they from the first quarter of the arms of of the
were empty and posed no threat. the former Colony of the Straits Colony were
As the weapons could not fire Settlements, being that quarter granted by
again in a hurry, this action also representing the Settlement of Royal
demonstrated that those aboard Singapore. The use of the lion and Warrant
trusted those on land or in the the tower alludes to the derivation dated 13
other vessel not to open fire on of Singapore from the two words Sep 48.
them. In time, this practice was Singa, lion, and pura, city; though
adopted as a way to honour etymological doubts have been
dignitaries and at some stage expressed. However, these arms
also passed into use on land. have been used as those of the
The salute today is not fired in Settlement since 1876 at least. the
one large burst of gunfire but crest is the same as that formerly
rather as a rolling volley, where used in the Straits Settlements
one gun fires after another. This except that the banner has been
modification is said to have changed from one of blue with
originated in less chivalrous, three imperial crowns, to silver
more pragmatic times. By firing with a red cross pall reversed,
one gun after another a symbolic bearing one imperial crown. This
salute could be fired to honour banner, though then with three
a VIP, but still leave guns loaded crowns, was used as the arms of
so as not to leave the vessel the Settlements, though without
totally defenceless. authority, prior to the founding of
the first Colony, and the reversed
A specific number of guns is fired cross pall is unique in British
to honour VIPs in accordance heraldry.
with their status. Royalty and
heads of state receive a 21 gun INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT
salute, Field Marshals, state FLAGS
officials and equivalents receive
a 19 gun salute; Generals and The first “flags” consisted of
equivalents receive 17, and so symbols attached to the tops of
on down to 11 for a Brigadier. poles. Such flag like objects appear
in Egyptian art of the mid-3000 B.C.
STRAITS SETTLEMENT’S
COAT OF ARMS Cloth flags were probably first used
in China about 3000 B.C. These flags
The Arms of the Colony were were made of silk.
granted by Royal Warrant dated

Do You Know...? 125

Most national Knights in the Middle Ages carried originated in the flags carried by
flags use one pointed flags called pennons. A Crusaders to the Holy Land. Some
or more of knight’s promotion to a higher flags used in Arab nations show
only seven rank was symbolized by having the eagle of Saladin, a Muslim
basic the end of pennon cut off. The warrior who fought the Crusaders
colours. resulting square flag was called in the 1100’s.
the banner, and the knight
becomes a knight-bannerette. Burning is considered the most
dignified way to destroy a flag that
National flags are among the is no longer fit for display. But
most recent kinds of flags. They burning a usable flag often
first came into use during the signifies political protest.
1700’s in Europe and North
America. Until then, most flags MILITARY FUNERAL
stood for the personal authority
of rulers. The military funeral, with its
custom, precision and courtesies
Flags at sea. Before the days of can be a source of great comfort
radio, a complicated system of and pride to the bereaved when
flag design and display grew executed correctly; if not
up around the need for executed correctly, it can add to
communication at sea. Flag their grief. Understanding the
codes enabled the sending of various religious funeral
messages between ships or from practices is an advantage.
ship to shore. A ship would
salute another vessel by TYPESOFMILITARY FUNERAL
dipping, or lowering, its flag. IN THE SAF
Such salutes played a major role
in international diplomacy. A military funeral is a funeral where
military procedures and honours
Flag colours. Most national flags are incorporated in recognition of
use one or more of only seven the services of a deceased military
basic colours. These colours are serviceman who had served the
red, white, blue, green, yellow, SAF. There are two types of
black, and orange. military funeral namely:

Flag symbols often reflect a. Full Military Funeral - A full
historical events. The cross that military funeral may be
appears in many European flags accorded to an SAF
serviceman, in full-time service

126 Do You Know...?

or during national service
training, whose death is
attributable to “Duty.”

“Duty” includes the following: the highest honour and he shall be
dressed in No 1 uniform.
(1) In consequences of some
act or training lawfully DRESSING THE COFFIN
performed in discharge of
the service’s duties. The coffin of the soldier during a The coffin
Military funeral is draped with a of the soldier
(2) While on a journey State flag which symbolises the during a
necessary to enable a nation’s recognition in token that he Military
serviceman to report for died in service of the State and that funeral is
duty or return to homes/ the state takes the responsibility for draped with
base after duty. what it ordered him to do. The flag’s a State flag.
red half with the crescent and stars
b. Modified Military Funeral - A will be placed over the coffin’s left,
modified military funeral nearest to the deceased’s heart. The
(reduced scale) may be given accoutrements that will be placed
to a full-time SAF serviceman, on top of the coffin are as follows:
whose death occurs while he/
she is still in service but not 1. The State Flag - The state flag
attributable to “Duty”, and if is draped over the Coffin
the NOK of the deceased
requested for it. The procedure 2. Headdress - The No 1
for the conduct of Modified ceremonial peak cap/beret
Military Funeral for Burial will will be placed on the top of
be similar to that of a Full the coffin
Military Funeral except that
there will be no gun-carriage, 3. Sword - The Officer’s sword
Escort Party and Funeral is placed at the centre with
Procession. Only the Firing the hilt nearest to the Peak
Party, the Coffin Bearer Party cap/beret
and the Military Band will be
involved. 4. Bayonet - If the deceased is a
WOSE, a bayonet is placed
DRESSING THE DECEASED at the center.

The deceased servicemen is given

Do You Know...? 127

5. Medals -The deceased MOURNING ARMBAND
ceremonial No 1 medals will
be placed on the left of the
sword/bayonet.

6. Badges - Ceremonial No 1
Vocation/confidence
badges can be placed
above the medals

When the 7. Wreath - One wreath from All ranks, when attending
casket is the family may be placed service funerals and/or
transported in on the coffin at the foot associated memorial service or
a hearse or end when ordered during State
gun-carriage, mourning, will wear a black
the feet of the The custom of covering the armband as a mark of respect to
deceased coffin with a flag probably the deceased soldier or
faces the originated on the battlefield statesman. This black armband
direction of where caskets were not available should be 8 cm wide and made
movement. and the flag, wrapped around of black cloth. It is worn on the
the dead serviceman, served as left sleeve of all uniform dress
a makeshift pall in which he except Mess Kit and PT Kit.
could be buried.
VIGIL GUARDS
TRANSPORTING THE
DECEASED The Vigil Guards are mounted,
surrounding the catafalque on the
When the casket is transported occasion for the distinguished
in a hearse or gun-carriage, the feet personage whom has been
of the deceased faces the direction honoured a Laying in State.
of movement, for most religions
except the Islamic faith (the head Each vigil party consists of four
faces the direction of movement). sentries and a commander with a
waiting member ready to replace
The Landrover in use will be any sentry who may become ill or
termed as “Funeral Landrover”

128 Do You Know...?

unfit to complete the vigil. Should The ceremony of reversing arms is The
a sentry feel unfit to complete his recorded as being done for the first “Resting
vigil, he is to lift his head and on time in 1722 when it was carried out on Arms
this the commander is to at the funeral of the Duke of Reversed”
immediately call forward the Marlborough. It signifies that a signifies
waiting member to replace him. soldier has departed and that killing that a
is a shame. Therefore, the means of soldier has
CUSTOMS REGARDING killing being also put to shame; the departed
DRESS barrel of the rifle is reversed in and that
acknowledgement. killing is a
Persons attending a funeral should shame.
be dressed in good taste so as to In the SAF, the “Resting on Arms
show dignity and respect for the Reversed” is executed during a
family and the occasion. funeral service or ‘last rites’.

Military personnel attending a GUN CARRIAGE
military funeral are to wear their
working dress. The Band, Escorts,
Firing Party and Coffin Bearer
Party in No. 1 uniform.

RESTING ON ARMS
REVERSED

One of the most noticeable The custom of using a caisson to
features of military funerals is the carry a coffin most likely had its
custom of reversing the order of origins traced to the 1800s when
things from what they normally horse-drawn caissons pull artillery
are. This custom is believed to pieces that double up as a
have originated from the Greeks in conveyance to clear fallen soldiers
ancient times. from the battlefield. In the SAF, the
artillery gun-carriage is normally
used to carry the casket and towed
by a landrover specially prepared for
this occasion.

Do You Know...? 129

When a MILITARY BAND WREATH
band is
provided for When a band is provided for a Sending a floral wreath is a very
a Military Military funeral, the drums are to appropriate way of expressing
funeral, the be muffled. If the band is not sympathy to the family of the
drums are available then a bugler is to be deceased. Flowers express a
to be provided for the sounding of last feeling of life and beauty and offer
muffled. post. The Band will play the tune much comfort to the family. A floral
“Dead March” (about 40 beats per tribute can either be sent to the
minute) once the Coffin Bearer funeral parlour or the residence. If
Party starts marching and cease sent to the residence, usually a
playing when the coffin is lowered planter or a small vase of flowers
onto the bier next to the grave or indicating a person’s continued
in the service hall. While the Coffin sympathy for the family is
Bearer Party (CBP) is removing the suggested. The florist places an
accoutrements and state flag, the identification card on the wreath.
Band will disperse quietly. These cards are removed from the
wreath and given to the family so
EULOGY they may acknowledge the tributes
sent.
A eulogy may be given by a
member of the family, clergy, a Wreaths are also laid on the day
close personal friend or a business of burial/cremation ceremony by
associate of the deceased. The representatives of military
eulogy is not to be lengthy, but protocol in sequence as follows:
should offer praise and “On behalf of MINDEF”, “On the
commendation and reflect the life Behalf of CDF” and “On the behalf
of the person who has died. of Service Chief” followed by the
Formation Commander and the
Unit Commander.

HALF-MAST

The State, SAF and ARMY Flags
are hoisted at half-mast as a mark
of respect to honour the death and
funeral of a person in high office.
The decision to fly the flags at
half-mast comes from the Prime
Minister’s Office.

130 Do You Know...?

When hoisting the flags at half- was customary among the Romans When hoisting
mast, the flags should be raised to to call the dead three times by name, the flags at
the top of the pole before lowering which ended the funeral ceremony half-mast, the
to the half-mast position (one-third after which the friends and relatives flags should
of the flag pole). In circumstances of the deceased pronounce the be raised to
when a flag raising ceremony is word ‘vale’ (farewell) three times as the top of the
done with the singing of the they depart from the tomb. In more pole before
National Anthem, the Flags are recent history, three musket volleys lowering to
hoisted to the peak of the pole in were fired to announce that the the half-mast
tune with the National Anthem, burying of the dead was completed position (one-
thereafter lowered to the half-mast and the burial party ready for battle third of the
again. Another belief is that the three flag pole).
volleys are fired so as to drive away
any evil spirits from taking away the
soul of the deceased.

Flag at Half-Mast The three volleys are fired at the
conclusion of the funeral service for
position. Similarly, when lowering Officers of the rank of Brigadier and
the flags from the half-mast below.
position the flags must be raised
to the top of the pole before being The SAF has also implemented this
lowered. tradition by firing the three volleys
after the coffin has been lowered
FIRING OF VOLLEYS into the grave and covered with soil
or just before pushing it into the
Today’s customary three volleys cremation chamber.
fired over a grave probably
originated as far back as the Roman The firing Party for all Ranks
Empire. The Roman funeral rites of comprises of twleve men
casting dirt three times on the commanded by a SSG with a 3SG
coffin constituted the ‘burial’. It as the 2IC.

Do You Know...? 131

All Gun Salutes are given to the Head THE LAST POST
uniformed of State and Cabinet Ministers.
Servicemen The Last Post is a bugle call
attending Once the grave is covered up or played to mark the end of the day’s
the when the coffin is conveyed off labours and the onset of the
funeral the service hall (for cremation), the night’s rest. In the context of the
will salute conducting WO will signal the last post ceremony (and in the
during Firing Party I/C to give the broader context of remembrance),
the Last commands for the firing of three it has come to represent a final
Post. volleys. On the last movement of farewell to the fallen at the end of
the Present Arms, the Bugler will their earthly labours and at the
sound the Last Post. All onset of their eternal rest.
uniformed Servicemen attending
the funeral will salute during the REVEILLE OR ROUSE
Last Post. On completion of the
Last Post the firing Party Reveille meaning “Wake up” in
Commander will give the French, originated in medieval
command “Order Arms” and after times, and possibly around 1600
a pause of 3-5 seconds the bugler was adopted by the British, is a
will sound the Rouse / Reveille. bugle call (or drums) to wake the
During the sounding of Rouse / soldiers at dawn;
Reveille all serviceman will stand
at the attention position. Rouse was the signal for the
soldier to arise. Rouse is the bugle
call more commonly used in
conjunction with the Last Post,
and to the layman is often
incorrectly called Reveille.
Although associated with the Last
Post, Reveille is rarely used
because of its length.
Today, the Rouse is associated
with the last Post at all military
funerals and services of
Dedication and remembrance. It is
played on the completion of one
minute’s silence, after the Last Post
has been sounded. It calls the
soldier’s spirit to rise and prepare
for another day.

132 Do You Know...?

Bibliography

1. 1957 - Our First Battalion
~ by Choy Choi Kee

2. 1959 - Singapore’s State Arms, Flags and National Anthem
~ by Lisa Lim

3. 1965 - Independence of Singapore
~ by Elaine Lim

4. 1965 - The Ministry of Interior and Defence
~ by Germaine Foo-Tan

5. 1965 - Shouldering The Nation’s Defence
~ by Ong Kian Seng

6. 1966 - Officer Cadet School (OCS) - First Intake of Officer Cadets
~ by Germaine Foo-Tan

7. 1966 - SAFTI - Singapore Armed Forces Training Centre
~ by Lisa Lim

8. 1966 - SAFTI - The Pioneering Training Institute of the SAF
~ by Germaine Foo-Tan

9. 1959 - Singapore’s State Arms, Flags and National Anthem
~ by Lisa Lim

10. 1961 - The SAF Crest - A Unifying Force
~ by Germaine Foo-Tan

11. Military Customs and Traditions
~ by Major Borner

133



References

1. Pioneer August 1989
2. Distinction - A Profile of Pioneers
3. History of the Singapore Infantry Regiment 1957 - 1967 by Mejar Singh Gill
4. Milestones of Singapore’s History
5. History of the Singapore Armed Forces
6. To Command
7. SAFTI Silver Jubilee
8. The Singapore Armed Forces Training Institute : From a Pioneering to a Premier Military

Institute, 1965-1990, Lawrence Yeo
9. Fact Sheet on the SAFTI Military Institute
10. Eastern Sun, Mar 1967.
11. The Straits Times, Mar 1967.
12. SAF and 30 Years of National Service, MINDEF Public Affairs, 1997.
13. National Service, Pointer Nov 1992, Journal of the Singapore Armed Forces.
14. Distinction - A Profile of Pioneers
15. Good Table Manners from “Service Etiquette” Fourth Edition by Oretha D. Swartz, Section 6,

Chapter 20 – Para 1, 2 & 4
16 Toasts & Saluting from “Service Etiquette” Fourth Edition by Oretha D. Swartz
17. Extracts from Istana Singapore Web Site, President’s Men – Ceremonial Guards
18. The Army Flag, G1-Army Directive 14/99 dated 22 Oct 04
19. Paying Compliment – GOM 402-03-01 dated 02 Aug 93
20. Identity Disc – GOM 401-04-01 dated 18 Apr 05
21. Policy on Saluting – MP Dir. No (402) dated 27 Sep 96
22. Honours & Awards – GOM 402-01-01 dated 31 Jan 02
23. RSM Course Handout – Drill & Ceremonies (Mar 90)
24. Use of Military Rank – GOM 402-01-04 dated 01 Jan 95
25. Mounting of Welcome Guards - G1-Army Dir. 4/99 dated 23 Jul 04
26. Regimentation in the Army - G1 Army Dir 8/2000 dated 20 Sep 00
27. Military Funeral – GOM 402-05-03
28. SAFTI SILVER JUILEE 1966 - 1991
29. PIONEER – APRIL 1981
30. SAF and 30 years of National Service
31. Support Combat Engineer, Silver Jubilee -1992
32. The Illustrated Encyolopedia of Military Insignia of the 21st Century by Guido Rosignoli
33. Paying of Compliments at Parades and Ceremonies - GOM 402-03-01.
34. Singapore Armour, Pointer, Vol 3 , No 4 – Apr 1978
35. The Origin of Saluting, Pointer, Vol 2, 1984 – 1986
36. 21-Gun Salute dates back to the 14th Century, Straits Times, 17 Jul 2000
37. What’s in a Rank, Pioneer, Mar 1972
38. The New Army Uniform, Pioneer Sep1994

135



ORIGINS OF

MILITARY WORDS

Aide-De-Camp, A term of French origin, whose Ammunition Latin, meaning generally “fortify
usual abbreviation is ADC. An Aide-De-Camp by building a wall.” The word “munitions”
is an officer whose duty is to assist and generally came to mean any provisions for defense. The
attend on a an officer of high rank. “a” got added in English by mistake: the French
Distinguished officers are appointed aide-de- la munition was erroneously assumed to have
camp to the President of the Republic. The been l’aminunition. Both words, “ammunition”
appointment is identified by uniform trimmings, and “munitions,” are now used in English as
aiguillettes or badges. being roughly synonymous; “munitions” is,
however, generally more inclusive.
Army, In French, armee, which in turn is from
the Latin armare, “to arm.” Armada is what the Battalion from the Italian battaglione, “little
word-wizards call a “doublet”: it comes from the battle.” Let’s say that an organization large
same origin as “army” but in taking another enough to “fight a little battle” became known
route has acquired a different meaning (“a fleet as a battalion. That is not a very scientific
of warships”). derivation, but is pretty close.

Artillery, French, artiller, “to equip.” The word Battery from the Latin battere, “to beat.” The
originally referred to all engines of war and gun battery is so called because it “beats on”
military equipment. By the sixteenth century the enemy. “Battle” and “battalion” both go back
the word began to mean “guns”, by the to this same root.
eighteenth century it began to refer to the
service that handled the guns. Barrel The use of this word to mean a part of
a rifle or cannon does not come from its
Ambulance From the French hopital resemblance to the receptacle we ordinarily
ambulant, “moving hospital.” Originally a think of as a barrel. Rather, both words came
temporary field hospital, the word now from the same source: “something made of
means a vehicle used for moving wounded. bars.” An early type of cannon was
constructed by welding long wrought-iron bars
Ambush Formerly “ambush,” it can be traced together and shrinking iron hoops around
back to the Old French embucher (“to go them. The construction method was
into the woods”) and the Italian emboscata abandoned, but the term remained.
(“hidden in the woods”). Webster points out
that “ambuscade is now the regular military Batman (British term for an officer’s “orderly”).
term for the legitimate disposition of troops Bat is Old French for “burden.” The batman (or
in concealment; ambush is less formal and batboy) was the soldier who used to take care
is often applied to such lying in wait as is of the officers’ equipment carried on the “bat
unfair or cowardly.” [pack] horses.” When the term “bathorse”
disappeared, the word “batman” remained for
an officer’s orderly.

Origins of Military Words 137

Bayonet Probably from Bayonne, France, Through World War I the use of “canteen” in
where they are alleged to have been first made. the first sense was common. (A squad leader,
This convenient “origin” has never been when asked to account for three absentees, is
proved, but neither has any other. alleged to have reported: “One’s in the canteen,
one’s in the latrine, and one I ain’t never done
Bomb Latin, bombus, “a noise,” from Greek seen.”)
bombos, “a deep hollow sound” (Webster).
The word originally applied to cannon balls. Captain From the Latin caput, “head.”
(The first aerial bombs were dropped from Although the Captain could be the head of any
unmanned balloons on Venice by the Austrians organization, by convention the rank has long
in 1849.) been associated with the officer commanding a
company-size unit (100 to 200 men).
Brigade This is a sixteenth-century French
word which corresponds to the Spanish brigar, Camouflage A French word originated during
“to brawl,” and the Italian brigare, “to fight.” the first World War but now widely used to
Like the word “battalion,” it came to be applied cover all methods of disguising or hiding.
to a body of contesting troops of a more or
less arbitrarily agreed-on size. Chevron French chevron, “rafter”

Bugle Short for “bugle horn.” Bugle is an Colonel Probably from the Italian coloncllo, “a
obsolete term for the bison or ox, from whose little column” (technically, it should be
horns the musical ancestor of the instrument colonella)
now known as a bugle was first made.
Colours The term arose in the early seventeenth
Cadre from the French cadre, “a frame.” A century when units started carrying flags which
military cadre is a small group of key officers represented a great variety of hues.
around which a new unit can be formed.
Commando A Portuguese word adopted by the
Caliber From the Latin con libra, “of equal Boers and then by the British. Originally it meant
weight.” It is now a linear measure of the inside simply “a military force (command).”
diameter of a weapon’s bore.
Communications First used by military writers
Camp, campus, “field.” A camp is a military in the nineteenth century. It comes from the
installation “in the field.” Latin communicatus, “made common.” In this
sense, it is “knowledge” that is “made common”
Canteen Italian cantina, “wine cellar.” The word between people who “communicate.”
was first used in the military profession for the
place where soldiers got refreshments on a Company The Latin cum (with) and pane (bread)
military reservation. Then it was applied to the meant “messmates.”
flask which soldiers carried on a march.

138 Origins of Military Words

Comrade From the Spanish camerad-o, this usage the word implies an administrative rather
came in turn from the Latin camera “room.” It than a tactical role.
originally meant “roommate.”
Grenade The grenade, has a common heritage
Corporal From the Italian capo di squadra, with all those who work with explosives and
“squad [square] leader.” pyrotechnics – artillery, engineers. The word
grenade derives from French “pomme grenate”
Ensign Ensign comes from the Latin word or pomegranate. Heraldically, the grenade is
insignia that meant and still means emblem or depicted as a sphere spouting flame. The
banner. A warrior who carried his lord’s banner relation to the pomegranate is retained in the
or ensign became known as an ensign bearer orifice-like appendage from the flame spouts.
and then just an Ensign.
Helmet Anglo-Saxon helm, from Teutonic root
Fatigue In the military sense, “fatigue” (or hal or kal, “to cover.” A helmet is a “little helm.”
“fatigue duty”) is the work soldiers do which is
not connected with purely martial exploits (e.g., Howitzer Czech word from the Hussites of Jan
cleaning up their barracks, digging garbage pits, Zika (fifteenth century). It is related to the
etc.). The word “fatigue” was once used in German haufnice, a “sling.”
common English to signify “toil” or “labour.”
So the military term “fatigue” is probably of Infantry The consensus is that this word for
literal origin and applies to the tiresome tasks foot soldiers actually comes from “infant,”
of military house-keeping. “Fatigue clothes” are although there has been much straining to find
the uniforms prescribed for work details. a more noble origin. The French infanterie (from
which our word comes) is from the Italian
Feu De Joie A fire kindled in a public place in infanteria, which comes from infante, meaning
token of joy; a bonfire; a firing of guns in token child, servant and foot soldier. “Infant” is from
of joy. This is seen during National Day Parade the Latin in (not) and fari (to speak). Until a
fired by the Guard of Honour contingents. person was big enough to speak he was an
infant. The connection between infantry and
Flag (or FLAGGE, a common Teutonic word in child or servant has a connotation of inferiority
this sense, but apparently first recorded in which is no accident. At the time “infant” was
English), a piece of bunting or similar material, linked with “foot soldiers,” the cavalry was the
admitting of various shapes and colours, and senior or elite service. When the infantryman
waved in the wind from a staff or cord for use in again began to dominate the battlefield (as he
display as a standard, ensign or signal. had in the days of Rome and as he does today)
the Spanish foot soldier led the way. This is
Garrison Old French guerir, “to preserve.” probably why “infantry” has been connected
Presumably a garrison is put in a place to with the Spanish title infante. Some writers have
“preserve” it from enemy capture. In current assumed that infantry was the elite force

Origins of Military Words 139

commanded by the Infante, or Spanish crown officer and the word “logistics” was used to
prince. However, the Spanish (and Portuguese) designate all staff work.
infante was any legitimate son of the king; the
eldest son was known as the Principe. Magazine Arabic makhzan, “storehouses.” It
(Webster) There is a far-fetched but prevalent was originally used in our language to mean a
theory that foot troops are called infantry military storehouse for weapons and
because early generals affectionately referred ammunition. In a military magazine were then
to them as “my boys.” known as “pieces,” as they still are today.

Khaki Indian khaki, “dust coloured.” Mines. Mines and fortifications are the defence
against armoured fighting vehicles and the
Lanyard, derived from the Latin “lana” (wool), antidote to mobility in general. The job of
a lanyard was originally a woollen cord, straight clearing a minefield on a cold, wet, muddy
or plaited worn from the outer end of the night, with frequent enemy shell or mortar fire,
shoulder strap, under the sleeve to the breast was among the most unpleasant in the war but
pocket button. Some bear a whistle whilst it was so frequently required for all front-line
others, an attachment to a pistol or revolver. troops.

Lieutenant French lieu (place) tenant (holding). There are usually new devices and techniques
He is the officer who “holds the place of” through the laying of booby traps such as
another. By usage, it has come to mean the attaching them to bodies so that the burial
officer who holds the place of a captain. party would be blown up. Or the simplest
action, like hanging a hat on a peg or kicking
away an empty tin could result in instant
obliteration.

OCT wearing Major Originally “Sergeant Major” “Major”
a lanyard means simply “greater”; the Sergeant Major
was the “greater sergeant.” The political title of
major comes from the fact that this man
occupies an office “greater than” that of the
other city officials.

Logistics Originally the duties of the Platoon Latin “ball,” which evolved into the
Quartermaster were known as “logistics,” since French pelote, “small bundle.” A platoon, then,
this officer was concerned with logis or was a “small bundle” or group of soldiers.
“quarters” for the troops. For many years the
Quartermaster General was the principal staff Private Used from the sixteenth century in the
sense of a “private man,” rather than an

140 Origins of Military Words

“officer” or office holder. The term came into Reveille French reveillez -vous, “Wake up!”
use after the abolishment of the feudal system
and signified that the individual now had the Rosette French. This ornament on a peak cap
privilege of making a private contract of military was held down by a loop and a button.
service, rather than being forced to serve a
feudal master. Security The imperative need for fooling the
enemy’s intelligance and spy system, proved
Quartermaster The man in charge of providing by bitter experience in previous wars, affected
“quarters” for troops. The office dates from the the lives of everyone, including civilians. A
Reiter organization of the fifteenth century. soldier had to always guard his tongue
whenever he was away from his unit. His letters
Rank (a number of men side by side) Old were censored and he must never mention the
German hrang, a “ring,” and later a “row” of place he was in or give any interesting details
men. See also “file.” The expression “rank and of his works.
file,” therefore, means the soldiers composing
the ranks and files of a military formation. It Sentry Probably from the same source as
does not mean the officers (“people with rank”) “sentinel,” rather than from the French sentier
and the “files” (soldier slang for “individuals”). (path around which a guard would walk).
Fortescue suggests that the word was
Recruit In Latin, recrescere, “to grow again.” corrupted from “centinel.” The latter word is
Recruits, then, are new men to replace losses from “century,” the term applied to the 100-
and permit the unit to “grow again” to its man Roman companies. Until the beginning of
original size and effectiveness. the eighteenth century the private soldier in
England was known as a “private centinel.”
Regiment In Latin, regimen, “rule” (in the sense
of “regulation”). The term was applied to a Sergeant, Latin serviens, “to serve.” Originally
military organization that was under the rule of used in law, a serviens during the days of
a colonel. chivalry was also a military servant.

Retreat In Latin, retrahere, “to withdraw.” Sharpshooter Probably from German
Tactically, this word means to withdraw from Scharffschutze, which has the same meaning.
enemy contact. But the ceremony of Retreat The term does not come from the Sharp’s Rifle,
and the bugle call “Retreat” signify a retirement patented in 1852. “Sharpshooter” units are
from the day’s administrative activities, not the listed as early as 1805' in the British Army. Two
enemy’s tactical endeavours. To “beat retreat” regiments of United State’s Sharpshooters
in the old days did not mean to “bug out” or to were raised during the Civil War. The term is
“how able”. Before the use of bugles to sound now used in the U. S. Army to designate a
calls, drums were used. qualification in marksmanship which is
between Expert (the highest) and Marksman

Origins of Military Words 141