Baton (detail), carried by Sir Hugh Rose, Lord Strathnairn

This is a detail of a crimson velvet-covered baton carried by Sir Hugh Rose, a British Field Marshal. The baton is a symbol of the rank of Field Marshal, the highest in the British army.

This detail shows a gold figure of St George slaying the Dragon. Beneath this figure is a gold circlet of roses, thistles and shamrocks. These represent the Union of England, Scotland and Ireland. Mounted upon the staff of the baton is a gold lion wearing a crown, the Royal Crest of England.

This style of baton was first carried by British field marshals after the wars against Napoleonic France. The British took the idea from the French, who had fashioned some elements of their armies on those of ancient Rome.

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