Guidons for bayonets

[ratboy]

Hi there folks.
you guys in the states may be able to help out here due to having better resources.

i am after making a couple of guidons for a couple of our bayonets.
could anyone advise on what the 8th ohio's would look like?

many thanks

[indguard]

I'd like to see proof that they were ever even used.

The regimental markers I have seen look like this...



Notice they are on poles, NOT bayonets.

Still, I would like to see if they did use them on bayonets as I really don't know the answer to that and have wondered for a while myself.

WTH

[Frenchie]

I have seen period photos and descriptions of guidons on standard poles or on short poles designed to be dropped into the muzzle of the guide's musket, but I have never seen, read, or heard of one designed to be attached to a bayonet. However, the origin of infantry company/artillery battery/cavalry troop guidons was a sergeant's sash attached to a pole or, as is quite likely the source of your question, a bayonet. I suspect what you have in mind may be an old practice from the Napoleonic wars or even earlier.

As far as I know, the Civil War Regular Army as a general rule didn't bother with guidons and such. When falling in with their arms (i.e., with their muskets instead of falling in on the stacks), they often oriented on a corporal who was holding his musket straight up with the butt near shoulder height and bayonet fixed. I'll bet, though, that the heavy artillery regiments that Grant pried out of the Washington fortifications and used as infantry in '64 had guidons, right along with their frocks, dress hats, brass, shoulder scales, and who knows what else, which the survivors of the first l'enfant perdue charges got rid of in short order.

[indguard]

Frenchie,

I have always thought this was the case. I have never seen a written example of a guidon on bayonets in a memoir or historical treatment or an original in existence either. I had a feeling they are a reenactorism.

Anyone else with info on guidons out there?



Ratboy,

You should also realize that guidons were 20 inches or more in size and this would be much larger than a bayonet (which is why they are on a pole in the picture above). Plus the pole in the photo above is much higher in the air than a rifle and bayonet with a guidon would be at shoulder arms. It is that high so the whole regiment can see it.

It also seems to me that in the drill books, companies did not have guidons, regiments did. And regiments did for two reasons. 1) to align themselves upon as the general guides who carry them would set the line, and 2) so generals could see where one regiment ended and another began on the field. That is another reason why a small flag on a bayonet is too small and too low to be seen properly.

I guess what I am saying is forget this bayonet guidon stuff. I think I am justified in saying so historically, too. A guidon on a bayonet is just not proper.

...unless anyone has beter info than I have on this!

Warner Todd Huston

[TimKindred]

Comrades,

Infantry battalions and regiments used two flags, referred to as Right and Left General Guides (as were the two men who carried them). These flags marked the right and left of the line, respectively, and examples may be seen in the image posted above.

Individual companies did not use these marker flags (from whence we get the name guidon; IE: 'guide on').

Most general guide flags of the civil war (for Federal service) were of silk, and made as small versions of the national color. The stars were painted in gold pigment oil paint, and many times, but not always, the name of the regiment or battalion was painted on the center stripe. Examples of these same flags from the state of Maine may be seen here:

http://www.maine.gov/museum/collecti...Directory.html

The use of small guide flags or guidons designed to slip over a bayonet is a reenactorisl that began with the 125th series of reenactments, when larger units were formed and began to drill and deploy as their original counterparts did. The National Regiment, followed by the UO Battalion, produced these types of colors and used them in the field. From that point on, many units have copied the practice.

Although it looks neat, and certainly saves space, the concept is, as I said, a reenactorism and should be relegated to the dustbin.

BTW, the general guides which carried these marker flags were NOT young boys, per se. They were selected from men with exceptional bearing and courage, and proven abilities. They, liked the color guard, were required to march ahead of the line to keep it's alignment, while facing a deadly foe, unarmed. Many of them paid a terrible price for duty faithfully executed, and it is a dis-service to them and their memory to see young boys being given the marker flag for "something to do" during a reenactment.

A good example of the courage and use of these markers may be found in Thomas W. Hyde's excellent book "Following the Greek Cross", in his chapter on the 7th Maine's actions at Antietam.

Trusting this is of some small use, I remain,

Respectfully,

Tim Kindred

[indguard]

Thanks to Tim for confirming my suspicions that bayonet guidons is a reenactorism!

Though I did know that only bttns or regiments used them and NOT single companies, his reference to Thomas hyde's book was appreciated.

WTH

[ratboy]

very much appreciated info here ladies and gents

any info on what the 8th ohio's "guide" would look like would be most helpful as i can make a couple. we already have our company colors (for camplines) but to be "proper" and maintain the authenticity would be great if i could knock one up. just the basic colour/layout would be appreciated.

thanks again

[bob 125th nysvi]

In many European Armies the Sargents carried pole weapons (read spears) until the Nappy wars not guns, so in all likelyhood the guidon, if derived from the sargents sash wound up on a spear before a bayonet.

If I remember correctly once they handed the sargents guns they handed the guidons to someone else.

Bob Sandusky
Co C 125th NYSVI
Esperance, NY

[Rob Weaver]

There was also an old style marker, or "camp color" made of wool bunting, about 18 - 20" square, which contained the regiment's number and state in blue, on a white background. These, like the silk guides, were on 8' poles.


Sgt. Rob Weaver
Pine River Boys
Co I, 7th Wisconsin

[Scott Harrington]

The Rowdy boy is wrong. The NR at the 125th series did not use 'bayonet' guidons as stated by Mr. Kindred. I personally was involved in the process so should know.

There were many types of guidons used during the Civil War. The NR at that time used two variants.

1) A guidon attached to a 6-7' pole, two for left and right general guide.

2) A guidon attached to a doweled rod placed down the barrel of the musket for the left and right general guide.

I have personally seen both types, mostly displayed in the Albany Flag collection. In addition I have seen variants in several museums, and even in the attic of the NY Historical Society!

My personal belief is they were used consistently because it was important for the Colonel to know the ends of his lines. I have several accounts of their use, not only on the drillfield but also the battlefield.

In addition, two extra markers were used, either to designate the color company or the 'first' company to align on during a battalion maneuver.

I have 'discovered' a unique image of the 5th NY Duryee's Zouaves using both sets.

For further information, contact Steve Hill, the noted flag historian / recreator - he can provide photos of actual guidons. In fact, he created the ones for the NR during the 125th series.

As to whether they were actually attached to bayonets, I do not know. Research task.

In addition, there were also camp colors (usually small national flags on cotton) placed on small sticks to designate the camp area. Very rarely seen today and probably rarely used then.

There is an excellent period manual on the guidons, will send to anyone interested.

Take care, mind the horses, stay away for the artillery and have a good time.

Also be correct with your facts.

Scott Harrington
5th NYDZ
Co. C