A fanion is a small flag used by the French military, equivalent to an American guidon or British company colour. The name derives from the Italian word gonfanone,[1] or gonfanon.[2][3] They were often attached to a small staff which was placed in the muzzle of a rifle.
The regulation sizes were 50 cm x 40 cm for a battalion fanion, 40 x 30 for a company fanion, and 34 x 27 for a platoon fanion (the latter can also be a triangular pennant 30 x 40).[4]
- ^ James, Charles A New and Enlarged Military Dictionary, or, Alphabetical Explanation of Technical Terms Printed for T. Egerton at the Military Library, 1802
- ^ "GONFANON Meaning (Definition)". Archived from the original on 2012-09-13. Retrieved 2012-05-10.
- ^ p.339 Norris, Herbert Medieval Costume and Fashion Courier Dover Publications, 28/11/1998
- ^ "Pennants of the Algerian Tirailleurs (French Army)". flagspot.net.