Marshal's baton - a symbol of distinction awarded for special achievements and valor. During the existence of the award, it has undergone almost no external changes. The criteria by which the award was awarded have not changed either - the baton was awarded to commanders who brought victory to the country with their military talents.
What is this?
Marshal's baton is a symbol of military distinction, a sign of belonging to a field marshal or marshal rank. Outwardly, it is a cylinder 30 to 40 centimeters long and up to 5 cm in diameter. The wand is usually elegantly decorated: covered with rich fabric, inlaid with precious stones or decorated with metal and made of precious woods (rarely - of precious metal). Most often, wands were made personally for a particular person and had an individual design. There was no single requirement for the manufacture of this insignia, but most often the batons of the marshals of the land army were red, the navy - blue, aviation - purple or white.
During parades, as well as in official portraits, the wand was supposed to be held in the right hand or raisedhim above him in salute to the soldiers. After the death of the owner, the wand became a family heirloom and was protected by the heirs.
History of the origin of the symbol
For the first time, the marshal's baton as a symbol of distinction, a sign of gratitude and favor to the commander from the side of the ruler began to be presented in ancient Rome. The envoy of the Senate handed over a rod, a toga and a wreath to the triumphant commander who brought victory to Rome.
The wand was made of white ivory and decorated with scenes of military victories. At the top of the wand was a golden eagle - a symbol of courage in Rome. During the victorious procession, the commander raised the rod above himself, thereby announcing the victory and greeting the people.
Later the tradition was adopted by Byzantium. In this empire, wearing a marshal's baton was a sign of supreme military authority.
The tradition of presenting the wand was adopted by France, which became the cultural heir of the Roman Empire. From France, the custom of rewarding the highest military commanders who proved themselves in battle spread to other European countries, including Russia.
How did you get this insignia in Russia?
Wands are assigned to the military in the rank of marshal or field marshal. The history of the marshal's baton in Russia began during the reign of Peter the Great. During this period, only four people were awarded this title - Sheremetev, Menshikov, Repnin and de Croa. All of them received the marshal's baton not from the favor of the king, but as a reward for military talent and valor in battle. Similarthe trend to reward only the illustrious and brave warriors continued later, during the reign of other members of the Romanov dynasty, however, during the period of favoritism, more and more honorary distinctions went into the hands of those who had nothing to do with military service.
So, for example, Alexei Razumovsky, a favorite of Elizabeth Petrovna, received his marshal's baton. A little earlier, his brother, 22-year-old Kirill Razumovsky, who served in the public service under the royal person, also received this symbol of distinction.
After the era of favoritism, civil servants could also qualify for such an award - the staff could receive, by special decree of the monarch, both the military and officials and managers who held high government posts.
Thus, the marshal's baton was received by valiant military men who distinguished themselves in many battles (often served from the lowest ranks) and the highest dignitaries. They were awarded for bravery in battle and many years of service for the benefit of the state.
Who hands over the marshal's baton?
The decision to award this insignia is made by the ruler of the country - the president or the monarch. Therefore, there were also funny things: for example, the Russian Emperor Alexander I was forced to sign a decree on assigning the marshal's baton to himself - for services to the state and under pressure from his brothers who received the baton earlier.
How is the award procedure?
As a rule, the baton was awarded after a decisive battle right on the battlefield or at the parade in front of the troops. Sometimes the wand was handed out duringceremonial reception at the monarch or president. In any case, the award ceremony took place in a solemn atmosphere.
During parades, the marshal, who received the marshal's baton, had to greet the soldiers with a raised baton, thereby showing unity with the army and joy for common military achievements.
Differences in appearance
The first marshal's batons, as already mentioned, were made in Rome from ivory. They were decorated with military scenes and gold.
The oldest wands preserved in France were decorated with the symbol of the ruling dynasty - golden lilies and the symbol of the House of Bourbon. He was wrapped in blue velvet.
"The horrors of war are the shield of peace"
- an inscription on a French marshal's baton.
Under Napoleon, the wand was made of wood covered with blue velvet. Imperial eagles were embroidered on the fabric, and on the tips, an inscription was placed on one side, and the name of the owner on the other. In the 20th century, instead of eagles, the rod began to be decorated with stars.
In Russia, the wand was made of gold and decorated with diamonds and laurel branches - a symbol of victory. The pommel was engraved with imperial eagles.
The British rod was covered with red velvet with lions embroidered on it, and George the Victorious was depicted on the pommel.
In general, most often wands from different countries (for example, Austria and Prussia) were covered with velvet withimages of state symbols.
Known wearers
During the entire history of the existence of this symbol of distinction, many commanders from different countries were awarded with a rod. It is almost impossible to list them all in one article.
The most famous wand-wielders in Rome were Gaius Marius, Octavian Augustus, Julius Caesar.
In France, the most famous representatives of the owners of the marshal's baton were Prince Condé, who invented new tactics of warfare and successfully proved himself in the Thirty Years' War, Napoleon Bonaparte, Murat, Davout and Ney.
In Russia, the most famous owners of the rod were Rumyantsev, Kutuzov, Suvorov, Barclay de Tolly and other prominent generals and statesmen.
The most famous owner of the baton in the UK is Marshal Wellington, who glorified his name in the Patriotic War in battles against Napoleon.
In the 20th century, this insignia was forgotten by many countries. For example, in Russia it was abolished in 1917 with the coming to power of the Bolsheviks.
Wands received a new round of development under Hitler - in just a short period of the existence of the Third Reich, 27 people received them. The marshal's baton of Goering, made of ivory and inlaid with gold, is especially rich in decoration.
Cultural symbol
The wand is present in the photographs and portraits of those awarded with this distinction. Napoleon's phrase about the marshal's baton in a soldier's satchel was widely used. Having become winged, it literally means that every soldier with his valor and couragecan earn a high rank and a high reward. This item has always been a symbol of the unity of the military elite, the army and the people, expressing the common joy of victory.
Every French soldier carries in his knapsack the baton of a French marshal.
Napoleon.
In Russia and the CIS, Karpov's book "Marshal's Baton" is popular. The epigraph to it is a quote that every soldier has this symbol of distinction in his satchel. Contrary to the title, the book "Marshal's Baton" does not tell about the life of the military elite, but about young soldiers who endure all the hardships and tragedies of the war for the sake of the liberation of their Motherland.
Interesting facts
The quote usually attributed to Napoleon Bonaparte, saying that a soldier already had a baton in his backpack, was actually first said by King Louis XVIII
Remember that there is no one among you who does not have Duke Reggio's marshal's baton in his knapsack.
Message of King Louis XVIII to the pupils of the military school.
- Most recipients of this insignia began their military careers from the lowest ranks and achieved the award through their military or administrative talents.
- In Nazi Germany, more than 20 such insignia were made and presented.
- Dummy marshal's batons are quite common. In everyday life, as a rule, they used a copy, while the original was taken with them to solemn awards and parades.
Symbol these days
Todaymarshal's batons as awards almost fell into disuse. You can find them in museums.
For example, Marshal Davout's baton is in the Hermitage, and two Goering's baton are preserved in the National Museum of the Infantry in the United States.
