Mayhem at Wicksteed - May 25, 26
Originally to identify Officers and Senior NCO's on the battlefield with musket smoke making identification difficult.Later, to make a drab uniform look a bit brighter.Ned
And there was I thinking they were actually so the enemy would find it easier to pick out the officers for target practice
Ranks of sergeant and above. I Think there is some confusion caused by wiki that says something like, 'worn by officers and WOs in the Guards and infantry '. Which is true, they are, but not exclusively.
In my day ,we off the lowly ranks were told that the sash was used to soak up the food dribbles....