Thin Red Line: Key Facts For Firefighters To Know And Understand

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FirefighterGarage » Thin Red Line: key facts for firefighters to know and understand

About the Author: Hi! I'm Chris Hunt, a former firefighter from Orange County, California. After a work-related injury, I retired from the fire service. With 7+ years of hands-on experience and specialized knowledge of combustible materials, I have personally researched and compiled the information presented here.Please note that the content reflects my personal opinions and should not be considered professional advice. I do not guarantee the quality or performance of any products featured. Before using the site, please review the website’s Disclaimer and Terms and Conditions.As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases (without additional cost or expense to you).

Table of Contents

The Thin Red Line Origins
The Thin Red Line and The Battle of Balaclava
Rudyard Kipling’s Poem
The Thin Red Line and Firefighters
The Thin Red Line Flag
How many “Thin Lines” are there?
What does the Thin Red Line stand for today?
Why the controversy?
Where are usually Thin Red Line flags flown?
Where can I buy a Thin Red Line Flag?
Final Thoughts

Today, “the thin red line” refers to the value firefighters serve to society. They are the last line of defense when a fire rages. They stand steady in the face of danger to protect us all.

However, the phrase is not without controversy. Let’s explore its origins and current acceptance.

The Thin Red Line Origins

The phrase has its origins in British military history. It is traced back to the stand of the 93rd Regiment of the British army during the Crimean War’s Battle of Balaclava. During this battle, a small regiment of soldiers was spread thin across a long distance and were the last line of defense against the Russian Empire.

The phrase was later popularized in 1881 in Robert Gibbs’s painting depicting the highlanders and in 1890 by Rudyard Kipling’s poem Tommy. The poem is about the Battle of Balaclava.

Nowadays, the term explains the bravery of firefighters in protecting the people. It may be derivative of The Thin Blue Line for police officers. Red, the color of firefighters, makes sense to be the firefighter adaptation.

The red line usually appears as an adapted US or Union Jack flag version. The monochrome flag has a rich red line cutting through the middle. This emblem often emblazons firefighter insignia and regalia.

The Thin Red Line and The Battle of Balaclava

The Battle of Balaclava was a pivotal battle during the Crimean War. The Russians had 2500 Calvary men, while the British – represented by the 93rd Regiment Scottish Highlanders – had just 500 Scottish foot soldiers. Another 1,000 men had their backs, a mix of Royal Marines and Turkish infantry.

The ‘thin red line was a group of 200 Highlanders flanked by 350 Ottoman (Turkish) soldiers who stood their line about 1 mile (1.61 km) north of Balaclava. Because there were insufficient troops, the 93rd Regiment stood two men deep, far less than the four-person deep regulation. Therefore, the Turkish soldiers had the task of holding the flanks.

William H. Russell, a war correspondent present at the battle, remarked that the British red coats looked like:

“A thin red streak topped with steel.”

The Russians sent 400 Calvary to charge the line. As the Russians seized, the Turkish fled. But the Scotsmen stood firm.

Their commander, Sir Colin Campbell, called to his men:

“There is no retreat from here, men. You must die where you stand.”

Scott’s fired two volleys at the Russians – one at 800 feet (ca. 244 m) and one at 500 feet (ca. 152 m). Then, the Ottoman soldiers fled.

Despite being outnumbered, the fearsome Scottish Highlanders pushed back the Russian Calvary. But, remarkably, as the scattered Calvary fled, the Scots charged. Sir Colin was furious:

“93rd, damn you highlanders for all that eagerness!”

Britain gained notoriety when the war became increasingly unpopular with the public. Furthermore, the British press highlighted the heroic struggle to cover up the failures of the Charge of The Light Brigade, which happened that day.

The highlanders received more Victoria Crosses – the highest honor in the British and Commonwealth forces – than any other battle in the Regiment’s history.

Rudyard Kipling’s Poem

Rudyard Kipling’s poem, published 40 years later, re-used the term again:

Then it’s Tommy this, an’ Tommy that, an’ “Tommy how’s yer soul?” But it’s “Thin red line of ‘eroes” when the drums begin to roll, The drums begin to roll, my boys, the drums begin to roll, O it’s “Thin red line of ‘eroes” when the drums begin to roll.

[…]

While it’s Tommy this, an’ Tommy that, an’ “Tommy, fall be’ind,” But it’s “Please to walk in front, sir,” when there’s trouble in the wind, There’s trouble in the wind, my boys, there’s trouble in the wind, O it’s “Please to walk in front, sir,” when there’s trouble in the wind.

In this poem, the line is about brave men who stand firm against an overwhelming enemy. They don’t phase when “the drums begin to roll.” Instead of gallantry, they “walk in front of you when there’s trouble in the wind,” gallantry.

The Thin Red Line and Firefighters

In recent decades, the term ‘the Thin Blue Line‘ started to refer to the police force. It highlights the role of the police in standing between chaos and order. While the ‘blue line’ was first used in 1911 (about the US Military), it was later famous for police forces after releasing the 1988 documentary The Thin Blue Line.

When used regarding Firefighters and Police, both the thin red and blue lines reference the Battle of Balaclava, but today hold their own in popular culture.

The Thin Red Line Flag

The thin red line flag is a black and white American flag with a red stripe. The red bar is placed in the middle of the flag, replacing the first white strip that can go from side to side.

How many “Thin Lines” are there?

After creating the Blue one, other first responder agencies also took it upon themselves to embrace the concept. Currently, there are:

Thin Blue Line: Police / Law enforcement
Thin Red Line: Firefighters and fire-related services
Thin White Line: Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
Thin Gold / Yellow Line: – Dispatcher teams/communications
Thin Gray Line: – Corrections departments

What does the Thin Red Line stand for today?

Today, firefighters use the term and its symbol as a sign of pride in their work for the community, respect for fallen firefighters, and a sign of the values of the brotherhood of firefighters: courage, service, and bravery.

However, controversy exists at this particular point. Many people, including respected firefighters, former military, and the public, view this as a political statement and shouldn’t be pursued.

Why the controversy?

It’s hard to pinpoint a single motive for it. Nonetheless, several reasons arise for it:

When the Black Lives Matter controversy detonated, another movement also gained popularity: Blue Lives Matter. This movement embraced the idea that people should respect the police, law, and order. Both activities clashed against each other. Furthermore, their support from the public came in different flavors, of which two particularly stood out. On one side, those who supported the movement were proud of it. On the other, those that saw the banner as a sign of defiance.
Some consider the alteration of a country’s flag, especially one for which many have fought and died, dishonorable and even offensive to what it means and stands for. The American flag is a sacred symbol for many and should remain unaltered. However, some people point out that the Thin Red Line Flag is different from the American, and it only inspires some parts of it. Therefore, modifying it is not a breach of code or something like that. You’ll find many people for and others against this particular point.

Where are usually Thin Red Line flags flown?

Some fire stations, trucks, and apparatus regularly display the Thin Red Line flag. State and federal laws vary, but to the most extent, they are at the discretion of each fire department. Whether they should be permitted is an ongoing debate that never settles. Most fire stations with these flags display them indoors to avoid confrontation.

Since Americans can do as they please, many use this flag inside or outside our homes. This respect can be particularly genuine in those who have previously served individually and bear the pride of being in a family that has served as firefighters for several generations.

Where can I buy a Thin Red Line Flag?

Here’s a simple and inexpensive flag you can buy at Amazon:

Anley Fly Breeze 3×5 Foot Thin Red Line USA Polyester Flag – Vivid Color and Fade Proof – Canvas Header and Double Stitched – American Honoring Firefighter Flags with Brass Grommets 3 X 5 Ft

✔ FLY BREEZE SERIES - This flag is ideal for the low-wind area. The lightweight design allows the flag to fly in mild breeze. (NOT Recommended for Super Windy Outdoors)

Buy on Amazon

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Final Thoughts

Today, you will find the thin red line all over the place. Firefighters often have it emblazoned on their hoodies and jackets, wallets, pocket knives, etc. You can also buy gifts for firefighters with the thin line symbol emblazoned.

So next time you see this symbol, you’ll know what it means – and where it comes from! It’s a sign of respect and honor for all our firefighters that protect and keep us safe.