Either of the mixtures can be used for the flag cake. It is coated with almond paste, then iced with royal and boiled icings, and piped with royal icing.

The soldiers are made of chocolate, and can be bought at most sweet shops or stores.

A. Ullyett

The Flag Cake, decorated with chocolate soldiers

The flags also can be bought for a few pence a packet. The soldiers are kept in position by the icing, being put on before it is set. The central figure consists of two soldiers placed back to back and fastened together with a little icing.