The grant of the honours of war sometimes formed part of terms of capitulation. Codified in the 17th century, they were intended to honour a surrendering garrison, which was permitted to march out of its battered stronghold with drums beating and colours flying. Musketeers were to have their matches lighted at both ends and to carry bullets in their mouths, showing that they were ready to fight. The terms might grant free passage to a specified friendly garrison, or they might confirm their surrender as POWs.
Sometimes honours of war were used to induce a proud commander to capitulate rather than fight on to the last extremity, but they often showed genuine recognition of a gallant defence. Gen Joseph Barbanègre held Huningue until 27 August 1815—over a month after Napoleon's abdication—and his exhausted garrison marched out while the victorious Austrians presented arms. In 1870 Bazaine was offered honours of war at Metz, but declined them, weakly claiming that his army was in too poor a state to parade with dignity. In June 1940 the Germans granted honours of war to the garrison of Lille, which paraded under arms with its own officers before entering captivity.
— Richard Holmes
