Color Companies?

[8th Louisiana]

Anyone have a source for material pertaining to the function of a Color Company. We have always passed around the Colors from company to company but I am wanting to create a designated Color company within our Brigade. Need information on how to organize and drill as well as responsibilities. Thanks!

 

[texaswildcat]

Well, I don't have a source of information, but I can give what i do know pertaining to color companies. Usually, it was chosen by the CO, the company, for being the best in drill or gallantry. Then a color guard with a sergeant carrying each color and up to eight corporals to guard them.

 

[johan_steele]

http://civilwartalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=23670&highlight=color+guard was an earlier thread that might answer some of your questions.

 

[8th Louisiana]

Thank you! The specific of a "Color Guard" over a color company is a start. I understood the NCO's that comprise the Color Guard but have heard there may have been an officer in charge. Is there any truth to this or did they take orders straight from one of the field grade officers? Anything else others might be able to add is appreciated.

 

[texaswildcat]

Yes, officers pertaining to the color company were in charge. Such was the case with Lt. Holman Melcher Company F of the 20th Maine. In other words, the color company listened to their own officers.