Standard Ceremonial Positions
There are seven standard ceremonial positions, namely:
- the Stand at Ease;
- Stand at Attention / the Order;
- the Carry;
- the Slope;
- the Dip – during a Royal Salute;
- the Dip – as an Act of Homage;
- and the Dip – in Wet or Muddy Conditions.
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Stand at Ease
Heels will be 12 inches apart. The left hand will remain at the side, fingers curled but not clenched, the thumb in line with the seam of the trousers/skirt and the pole will be kept perpendicular at the right side (not pushed forward) with the bottom of the pole against, and in line, with the small toe.
Stand at Attention / The Order
Heels together, feet at an angle of 30 degrees, left hand will remain at the side, fingers curled but not clenched, thumb to the front in line with the seam of the trousers/skirt and the pole kept perpendicular at the right side; the bottom of the pole on the ground against, and in line with the small toe. The bunting should be allowed to hang naturally and held by the right hand so that it is not stretched; right elbow close to the body; the forearm and wrist parallel to the ground.
The Carry
The pole will be held perpendicular in the socket by the right hand, the bunting hanging naturally. The right forearm and wrist will be horizontal to the ground, the right thumb opposite the centre of the mouth and the back of the hand to the front. The left hand will be held at the side and the feet placed as for position of the Attention / Order.
On the march: quick march. The pole will be kept perpendicular, and the right hand and arm maintained in position as when at the halt. The bunting will be allowed to fly naturally. The left arm will be swung naturally waist high and normal marching drill movements will apply. Pace normally being 116 steps to the minute (full marching stride 30 inches).
On the march: slow march. As in the quick march except that the left arm and hand will be kept straight down by the side as at the Attention. Normal slow march drill will apply, i.e. pace 30 inches, point toe downwards and slightly outwards, toe touching the ground first, no pause between steps: 65 steps to the minute.
The Slope
The pole should lie at an angle of 45° on the right shoulder; the right elbow close to the side of the body the right forearm and wrist parallel to the ground; and the bottom fringe of the bunting as presented parallel to the ground. The bunting should hang over and cover the right shoulder and arm i.e. the pole should not be shown between the hand and the shoulder, but should be covered by the bunting. The left arm and feet should be as for the Attention. The pole should be extended directly in front of, and in line with the right side of the body.
