Evening Republican, Volume 23, Number 129, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 28 May 1920 — IS OLDEST MILITARY BODY [ARTICLE]

IS OLDEST MILITARY BODY

Organization of Knights of Windoor, Still In Exletanoe, Wm Founded by King Edward 111. The Military Knights of Windsor la the oldest military body In the world, having been founded by Edward 111 from the veterans of Crecy and Poletiers, originally having had the prefix “Sir.” They are now selected by the king from the old regular officers of the British army. The Windsor knights are picturesque old gentlemen, tbeir uniforms consisting of a scarlet coat with gold epaulets. Their somewhat expansive waists are lashed round with a crimson sash and they have a very dandylooking cross-belt of white leather, on which is a breastplate embossed with the garter arms, the garter sword hanging from the belt There Ip a bright crimson stripe on the outside of their trousers. Their hats are the most luxuriant creation of feathers, plumes and cockades. The duties of these old warriors are not now very exacting. At one time they were bound to attend the chapel of St. George at Windsor twice a day. Their devotional duties were later reduced to their presence at divine service only once a week and 6n the birthdays of v certain members of the royal family. The strength of the corps at the present time is only 18, which consists of 13 knights of the upper foundation and five in the lower.