About Lanyards
In the military lanyards were originally used to connect a pistol, sword or whistle (for signalling) to a uniform on a semi-permanent basis. Lanyards were used in situations where there was a good chance of otherwise losing the object – commonly by cavalry and naval officers at sea. A well made pistol lanyard can be easily removed and reattached by the user, but otherwise will stay connected to the pistol whether it is drawn or in a holster. Lanyards later became more decorative.
Lanyards of various colour combinations and braid patterns are also commonly worn on the shoulders of military uniforms to denote the wearer’s qualification or regimental affiliation. Many regiments were originally mounted and wore the lanyard on the left, enabling the rider to pull a whistle from his left tunic pocket and maintain communication with the rest of his troop.SOURCE: WIKIPEDIA
