Giving compliments
The hand salute is given by males “under regulations” wearing headdress. The right arm is swung forwards with the palm straight. It is swung up in front until almost horizontal and then brought smoothly back to the brim of the headdress. The palm should be at a 22½-degree angle from the vertical in line with the temple. When not wearing headdress, males stand fast and bow their heads. Officers carrying swords salute by bringing the sword to the recover and then sweeping the tip of the sword to 12 inches from the ground. When mounted, the arm is thrust out horizontally to the right before being brought to the recover. Officers wearing cocked hats removed their hats and sweep the hand and hat to their side, as for a sword salute, and bow their heads, before replacing their hat. Ladies do not salute but curtsey with a bowed head.
Instead of saluting, civilians touch their hats smartly and bow their heads. Women perform a brief curtsey with a bowed head. For sustained salutes, such as during the singing of the national anthem or during ceremonies, the hat is removed with the right hand to the side. Women do not sustain the curtsey but continue standing. The head is not bowed if there is singing.
