Traditions
Their motto was Celer et Audax (Latin: "Swift and Bold"). As they were used as shock troops and marksmen, they had to get to the front line of battle as fast as was possible; as a result the RGJ marched at 140 paces per minute (at a 15" pace) whereas other regiments march at just 120 (with an 18" stride). Until recently no other regiment has devoted so much time to becoming highly proficient with the rifle, even though it has been part of standard army issue for 140 years; as a consequence, the RGJ's lowest rank (other than 'recruit') is Rifleman (Rfn), rather than Private (Pte), as in other regiments.
The regiment was classed as a 'rifle' regiment, having its lineage in the regiments of foot that were equipped with the first Baker rifles. Traditionally, rifle regiments wore rifle green tunics, an early form of camouflage, instead of the red jackets worn by line infantry, hence the regimental name. Also, the regiment carried no colours, as traditionally rifle regiments, being skirmishers and sharpshooters, had no need to identify where their fellows were on the battlefield. So, the battle honours of the Royal Green Jackets were worn on the regiment's cap badge. Infantry in the regiment wore a beret with the badge behind the left eye towards the side of the head, traditionally to show that they do not need to hide behind their colours to show how good the regiment is. The Royal Green Jackets predecessors were issued with short swords instead of bayonets as the Baker rifles of the past were shorter than the traditional musket, fitting the sword to the rifle made the overall weapon length the same as a musket with bayonet attached. The RGJ consequently referred to their bayonets as 'swords'.
The Royal Green Jackets and its antecedent regiments have been awarded more Victoria Crosses than any other unit, with a total of 59.
Read more about this topic: Royal Green Jackets
Famous quotes containing the word traditions:
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—Joseph Addison (1672–1719)
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—Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1809–1882)
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—Vladimir Nabokov (1899–1977)