Which of these is traditionally the sign of a field marshal?
The ceremonial baton is a short, thick stick-like object, typically in wood or metal, that is traditionally the sign of a field marshal or a similar very high-ranking military officer, and carried as a piece of their uniform.
The baton is distinguished from the swagger stick in being thicker and effectively without any practical function. Unlike a staff of office, a baton is not rested on the ground. Unlike a royal sceptre, a baton is typically flat-ended, not crowned on one end with an eagle or globe.
More Info:
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What are your thoughts on this subject?
3 Comments
Nicholas Miernicki
Alan Waites, I can't ever remember seeing a picture of Monty with one and I'm sure if he had one, he definitely would have been waving it around. The only field marshals with batons were the Germans, as the US and Japanese didn't have the rank of field marshal. The Italians had field marshals, but, I don't remember them having batons. And the same for the Soviet marshals.
Alan Waites
Herman Goering carried one, but am not aware of a British Field Marshall carrying one.
Sergey Boev
“ Every French soldier carries a marshal's baton in his knapsack.”