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The Rifles
Traditions
& CUSTOMS
The Rifles’ uniforms, symbols, music, customs, and traditions combine elements from the four Forming Regiments, drawing from the rich history of Riflemen to set the Regiment apart from the rest of the army.
The Uniform
The uniform of The Rifles draws extensively from the rich history of the Riflemen. It is ‘Rifle’ green, reflecting the Light Division’s innovative use of camouflage in the Peninsular War and Sir John Moore’s belief that all light infantry should wear green.
the silver bugle
Unlike the regular line infantry, which relied on drums for signalling, the
rifle regiments historically used bugles, which could be heard over long distances. This is why The Rifles sound, rather than beat, the retreat at the end of the day. The silver bugle is now the symbol and cap badge of the Regiment.I
the belt badge
Infantry would carry and rally around their colours but this was not appropriate for soldiers operating independently in smaller groups. Instead, each Rifleman wears a selection of battle honours from the Forming Regiments on their belt badge. These include Waterloo, the Somme, the Normandy Landings and the First Iraq War, demonstrating the bravery and dedication of Riflemen throughout their history.
The croix de guerre
The Croix de Guerre avec Palme was awarded to the 2nd Devons for their gallantry and determination during the Battle of Bois des Buttes in 1918. They were among the first British units to be awarded the French military honour. All Riflemen wear the ribbon to honour the heritage of their Forming Regiment, The Devonshire and Dorset Light Infantry.I
the back badge
The distinct Back Badge, worn by all ranks on their ceremonial hats, reads ‘Egypt’. It was originally awarded by Sir John Moore to the Gloucestershire Regiment after the Battle of Alexandria in 1801. It is worn to honour the Forming Regiment, The Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Light Infantry.
light drill
The Rifles quick march at 140 paces per minute, rather than the Army standard of 116-120 per minute, and to fewer words of command. They also double on parade with rifles at the trail. This calls back to the earliest Rifle Regiments, whose skirmishing tactics required them to move rapidly around the battlefield.I
SWORD
Within The Rifles, bayonets are referred to as ‘swords’. This is because the Baker Rifle was significantly shorter than the musket, which would leave Rifle Regiments vulnerable to cavalry. They were therefore issued longer bayonets, essentially short swords, fitted with handguards and grips. The order to ‘fix bayonets’ became ‘fix swords’, and has continued into the modern Regiment.
BLACK BUTTONS
Traditionally worn by rifle regiments, these black buttons were better camouflaged than shiny brass ones. The Royal Green Jackets used black ball buttons, evoking a Baker Rifle bullet, on their barrack uniforms and blazers.I
ADDRESS
Most soldiers in the British Army are addressed as ‘Private’ (Pte) but riflemen are instead addressed as Rifleman (Rfn). Serjeant spelt with a ‘J’, the traditional spelling, has also been retained in rifle regiments.

The Uniform
The uniform of The Rifles draws extensively from the rich history of the Riflemen. It is ‘Rifle’ green, reflecting the Light Division’s innovative use of camouflage in the Peninsular War and Sir John Moore’s belief that all light infantry should wear green. Black buttons were also traditionally worn by Rifle Regiments.

The Silver Bugle
Unlike the regular line infantry, which relied on drums for signalling, the rifle regiments historically used bugles, which could be heard over long distances. This is why The Rifles sound, rather than beat, the retreat at the end of the day. The silver bugle is now the symbol and cap badge of the Regiment.

The Belt Badge
Infantry would carry and rally around their colours but this was not appropriate for soldiers operating independently in smaller groups. Instead, each Rifleman wears a selection of battle honours from the Forming Regiments on their belt badge. These include Waterloo, the Somme, the Normandy Landings and the First Iraq War, demonstrating the bravery and dedication of Riflemen throughout their history.

The Croix de Guerre
The Croix de Guerre avec Palme was awarded to the 2nd Devons for their gallantry and determination during the Battle of Bois des Buttes in 1918. They were among the first British units to be awarded the French military honour. All Riflemen wear the ribbon to honour the heritage of their Forming Regiment, The Devonshire and Dorset Light Infantry.I

Light Drill
The Rifles quick march at 140 paces per minute, rather than the Army standard of 116-120 per minute, and to fewer words of command. They also double on parade with rifles at the trail. This calls back to the earliest Rifle Regiments, whose skirmishing tactics required them to move rapidly around the battlefield.

Sword
Within The Rifles, bayonets are referred to as ‘swords’. This is because the Baker Rifle was significantly shorter than the musket, which would leave Rifle Regiments vulnerable to cavalry. They were therefore issued longer bayonets, which were essentially short swords, fitted with handguards and grips. The order to ‘fix bayonets’ became ‘fix swords’, and this tradition has continued into the modern Regiment.