Although I have never been able to verify this, when I was in the Army,
it was explained that the British salute was palm facing out because
they had suffered defeats in the past.  Americans saluted with palm
facing inward because we had never been defeated. (Although this was
probably more relevant in the 1800's when military protocols were
formalized).

Donna Stubbs                             HDR Engineering, Inc.
Archaeologist                                6190 Golden Hills Dr.
(763)591-5442                              Minneapolis, MN  55416
mailto: [log in to unmask]



-----Original Message-----
From: Jason W Onerheim [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Thursday, July 18, 2002 10:33 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: History of military salutes


As far as I know it was for two reasons, one would raise the visor on
their
helmet (suit of armor) so that their face could be seen, in addition, it
shows that one is unarmed (sword usually used with right hand).  Don't
quote me on this because I don't have any written proof.  As for
American
vs. English, I have no idea.

Jason

On 17 Jul 2002, Deb Fuller wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> This is a random question that I get at some of my living history
events.
> What
> is the history of the military salute? I know that it originally came
from
> men
> doffing their hats or peasants tugging their forelocks. But how do you
get
> from
> that to either the American right hand at the brow or the British
right
hand
> at
> the brow with the palm out salute? And why do Americans and Brits
salute
> differently? Now I do know that the British naval salute is with the
palm
> backwards so as not to show the tar on the hands.
>
> Anyone have a history on this?
>
> Thanks!
>
> Deb
>
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