The Navy flew the Union Jack which was called the Jack. Merchant ships and ships not sailing with a royal warrant from England flew the Cross of St George, called the George.
The Royal Standard is the Flag of the Coat of Arms insignia of the United Kingdom. The Royal Ensign is flown on Her Majestys' Ships: White for Royal Navy. Red for merchant vessels.
There are many rules governing the use of these ensigns under different circumstances and by ships of varying size, actions such as leaving harbour etc. Check the Related Links for more info. Red British ship receiving a signal by a British naval vessel, entering or leaving a foreign port, and if over 50 tons entering or leaving a British port Blue merchantman commanded by a Naval Reservist Officer etc White Only vessels of the Royal Navy or the Royal Yacht Squadron (plus the Trinity House vessel "Patricia" when escorting the Sovereign) are allowed to fly the white ensign at sea or in harbour. During times of war, R.N. vessels fly the Union Jack, and when going into battle, strike the jack and hoist the White Ensign, also known as "The Battle Flag ". Afterwards, the White Ensign is flown until the ship returns to her home port, when the Union Jack is re-hoisted as she enters harbour. Royal The Royal Ensign is ONLY flown when the Monarch is aboard a vessel.
The British merchant navy adopted the Red Ensign in 1707 as its distinguishing flag, while the Royal Navy has used the White Ensign since the 17th century, specifically formalized in 1864. The Red Ensign became an important symbol for British merchant vessels, whereas the White Ensign is reserved for the Royal Navy and other naval forces. Over time, these flags have come to represent their respective services and the traditions of the British maritime heritage.
The Royal Standard is the Flag of the Coat of Arms insignia of the United Kingdom. The Royal Ensign is flown on Her Majestys' Ships: White for Royal Navy. Red for merchant vessels.
The Royal Navy Flag is called the White Ensign
The small flagpole at the prow (front) of a ship is called the jack. Flags flown from this are called jack flags and are be necessity quite small. Royal Navy battleships traditionally fly the Union Flag from the jack (and the Royal Ensign from the stern), which is where the incorrect name (Union Jack) comes from.
Whilst the Union Flag has never been officially adopted by law as the national flag of the UK, it has become so by usage (which can count for a lot in the British constitutional/legal system) and the government has stated it is the correct flag for use by British citizens. Afloat though, the Union Flag has been reserved by the United Kingdom government for specific, military purposes. It is the jack of the Royal Navy and the flag of rank for an Admiral of the Fleet. These are the reasons why it is illegal for a civilian ship to fly it. A First Sea Lord will inevitably hold the rank of Admiral and it is therefore considered that the Union Flag would be flown from the bow jack-stay with the Royal Navy white ensign at the stern when alongside. When under-way a St. Georges flag as an Admirals ensign would additionally be flown from the main-mast.
The term "Union Jack" is not considered correct because a Jack is a flag flown from a ship and British merchant ships fly the Red ensign and the Royal Navy flies the White Ensign. The Official title of the Flag of the United Kingdom is the "Union Flag" and unoffically "British Flag" although this term might be considered controversial in Northern Ireland
The British Union. It is commonly referred to as the "Union Jack" but technically that name applies only when a flag of that design is flown from the jack staff at the bow of a ship. When flown on land it is called the Union Flag. When flown at sea you can be in trouble because only the Royal Navy may fly the Union Flag or Union Jack at sea. Private citizens are not allowed to do so; their yachts must fly the Red Ensign.
The first Canadian flag was either the Royal Union Jack or the Red Ensign.
Ekka
If memory serves the flag is a German Naval ensign from the Third Reich. It was flown on a naval vessel. In short, it's a ship's flag.If memory serves the flag is a German Naval ensign from the Third Reich. It was flown on a naval vessel. In short, it's a ship's flag.Further InformationYou are describing the National War Flag(Reichskriegsflagge), which was introduced in November 1937 at the same time as military conscription was introduced in Nazi Germany. It was to be flown on all buildings, such as barracks, occupied by the Wehrmacht(German Armed Forces -i.e. Army, Navy, and Air Force) as well as on warships. So, although it was flown from warships, it was not specifically a 'ship's flag' in the same sense as, say, the White Ensign (for the Royal Navy).JUST green white greenwell thats the pattern. :]