Barbara was a Greek living in Heliopolis, Egypt in the 3rd or 4th century AD, and converted to Christianity against her father's wishes. Some legends say that her father, Dioscorus, presented her with a prospective husband whom she refused to marry as he was not a Christian.

He had a tower built for her, either to imprison her or to house her hammam, but she ordered three windows to be made in it, as a symbol of the Holy Trinity and an outward demonstration of her faith. Her father was angered and had her beheaded (some say he carried out this act himself). Suddenly, a violent storm broke out and he was struck by a bolt of lightning which killed him outright.

Saint Barbara was invoked to grant safety from lightning, later becoming the Patron Saint of gunners, who were at risk from fiery elements, and consequently of the Royal Regiment. The red zig-zag flash against a navy ground serves as a reminder.

At this point on 4 Dec gunners will raise a toast to St Barbara and the Queen.

So to all you heathen non-gunners out there remember we can reach out and touch someone and more importantly we aim to please.

Quo Fas et Gloria Ducunt

Ubique