A GUIDON is an heraldic banner carried by cavalry regiments, the equivalent of the colours borne by regiments of line infantry.  Until about a century ago, guidons and colours were taken into battle as the distinguishing symbols and rallying points for fighting units.

The word derives from the Italian guidone meaning 'guide' or 'marker' and the Middle French corruption guyd-hommes, hence it is the focus for soldiers in battle.  There developed for this precious symbol of unity a reverence for its own sake, endorsed by the religious practice of blessing a banner before it was carried into battle.  That the Roman legions fought fiercely to protect their eagle standards and suffered disgrace for their loss illustrates just how highly prized such things became.  For a very long time, soldiers have given high regard to these talismans of corporate identity, and so it is today.

Traditionally, the carrying of a Guidon or Colour remained the exclusive privilege of those who fought face to face with the enemy, namely the Cavalry and the Infantry.  On May 10th 1994 in recognition of its role on the modern battlefield, Her Majesty The Queen was graciously pleased to authorise the grant of a Guidon to the The Army Air Corps, and the emblazoning of Honours on it.