We are very close to going to print with our long planned and researched guide to the Jacobite infantry regiments at Aughrim. As every plate will have a representation of unit flags, we want to get as much detail right as is possible bearing in mind the scant available source materials. Many of the flag illustrations are conjectural, but based on heraldic conventions and colours, existing detail of flag patterns used in Ireland between 1600 and 1690, coats of arms and other background data on affiliations and possibilities. Essentially though - they will be 'a punt'.
One unit which will undoubtedly come under the highest levels of scrutiny is the King's Regiment or, Foot Guards. Most modern conjecture is based on a specific yet ambiguous entry in the Journal of Captain John Stevens. Stevens was a literary English officer in The Lord Grand Prior's Regiment. He left a detailed personal account of the war which reads well. In it, appear descriptions of certain regiments and flags. One such relates to the Guards. Here it is:
From this, various respected writers and enthusiasts have tried to extrapolate information keenly sought by wargamers. I must first nail my colours to the mast. Without the inspiration and work of these men, my own interest in the period would have been stillborn. I have huge respect for their enthusiasm and output. I own many files of Alan Sapherson's original notes and papers which he gifted to me. I am unsure if Alan is still alive (I do hope so), but I know his health was failing some years back when I acquired the papers.
Mark Allen, is very much alive! I do hope he reads this piece and can comment about the choices he made and, with any new perspectives he might have. Mark Shearwood is another man whose knowledge of James II's army is formidable. On his many deep dives into the British Library he may well have come across information which will bulk out this discussion. There are several others out there who may have information or perspectives which enable a better understanding. This piece is thus, a call to arms and the debating table. If you have a perspective, information, a question, a challenge or an observation, please throw it into the pot!
So to the vexatious part....
Bearing in mind Stevens's description above, in his book William III At War Scotland & Ireland 1689-1691 (Raider Books 1987) AS chose to represent the King's colour of the Guards as follows and based on Stevens
My issue with this representation is that it is not the Royal Arms of James II or England. It draws on elements however, the order in which these appear does not seem to follow heraldic convention. It is clearly a sketch made by AS. The artist does appear to follow the convention of showing the hoist on the left of the flag. The dexter side of a coat of arms is from the perspective of the bearer therefore as we look at it, the dexter is left and sinister is right (the opposite of the meaning, but true to the bearer). The French arms here are not dexter. Also, Stevens is not specific about what appears in the quarters, this appears to be a decision made by the artist. The artist also choses to fimbriate the St George's cross in white. Stevens does not mention this. Although it is impertinent, I wonder whether the artist made some simplifications in order to create an impression. Placing a St George's Cross over Royal Arms also seems questionable. Reading Stevens once more (above) highlights the interpretive dilemma - position of commas, absence of commas, lack of specificity regarding whether this mash up of symblos appears on a single flag or multiple flags.
MA references Stevens in his fantastic series of articles on the War of The Grand Alliance published in Wargames Illustrated. In issue 54, his piece details the 'Wild Geese'. His illo is not specific about the perspective but the style closely follows SA's sketch. My issue with this sketch is that the arms of England now appear on the opposite side of the flag unless, his perspective is to have the hoist at right. If that is the case, the rampant lion of Scotland, the three lions passant and the Irish harp are all orientated away from the staff which is not correct. It would be good to hear from Mark regarding his choices as I could be missing something really obvious.
The Arms of James II are:
If Stevens means the cross of St George is placed over the arms of England (or the Crown) then this must be the orientation of the heraldry otherwise, it is a collection of arms but not written in the language that tells the story of precedence. This then becomes a very complex flag and that is what makes me question whether a 17th century infantry Regiment albeit the King's Regiment, would carry it. The Flags of the English Foot Guards between 1685 and 1689 covering the reigns of both James II and William III are far simpler.
We want to make the best choice of the likely flags of the premier infantry regiment of the Jacobite Army. The more I consider it, I am inclining to a simple, non fimbriated version of the lower flag shown here. A plain cross of St George on a white field with a small Royal arms at the centre.
So now, I open the door to goodness knows what... Have your say, please! It's our hobby and we are all entitled to a view.