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Aswagger stick is a short stick orriding crop usually carried by a uniformed person as a symbol of authority. A swagger stick is shorter than astaff orcane, and is usually made fromrattan. Its use derives from thevine staff carried byRomancenturions as an emblem of office.[1]
In the British Army beforeWorld War I, swagger sticks were carried by allother ranks when off duty, as part of their walking out uniform. The stick took the form of a short cane of polished wood, with an ornamented metal head of regimental pattern. The usual custom was for theprivate soldier ornon-commissioned officer (NCO) to carry the stick tucked under his arm. Cavalrymen carried a small riding cane instead of the swagger stick of infantry and other branches.[2]
In theBritish Army and other military forces following theCommonwealth traditions,commissioned officers of most infantry regiments formerly carried swagger sticks (described as canes) when on duty, whilst warrant officers and senior NCOs carriedpace sticks instead. This practice continues in some regiments, especially bywarrant officers when inBarrack Dress.Cavalry officers would often carry ariding crop rather than a swagger stick, in deference to their mounted traditions. In some Irish regiments in the British army, such as theRoyal Irish Regiment (1992), officers carried ablackthorn walking stick, based on theshillelagh. In theRoyal Tank Regiment, officers carried an 'ash plant' or walking stick instead, in reference toWorld War I tank attacks, when officers would prepare lines of advance by testing the ground's firmness and suitability for tanks.[3]
Swagger sticks were once in vogue in theUnited States Marine Corps, starting as an informal accessory carried by officers in the late 19th century. In 1915, it gained official approval asrecruiters were encouraged to carry them to improve their public image. This tradition grew when Marines deployed forWorld War I encountered European officers carrying swagger sticks, leading to an entry in the uniform regulations in 1922 authorizing enlisted marines to carry them as well. The usage died down in the 1930s and 40s, with the exception ofChina Marines, and came back into vogue with a 1952 regulation encouraging them, reaching a peak from 1956 to 1960 when on 4 January 1960, theCommandant,GeneralDavid M. Shoup, commented on their use with regard to uniforms and equipment:[4]
"There is one item of equipment about which I have a definite opinion. It is the swagger stick. It shall remain an optional item of interference. If you feel the need of it, carry it…"
GeneralGeorge S. Patton carried a swagger stick throughoutWorld War II; however, his contained a concealed blade, similar to a Victorian gentleman'ssword cane.[5]
