Flags of Empire

British Imperial Flags

2015-09-13T19:27:00.000-07:00

British Empire Flag

From personal collection, framed above computer at work.

Specially made by Artelina.

Flag proposals for Federal Commonwealth Society.

http://www.europa-universalis.com/forum/showthread.php?t=325851&page=3 and right image by Charles Ashburner

Mrflag is selling a (very expensive for a mere) printed version of the flag. According to its website:

FABRETTO-BRITISH EMPIRE

Reproduction of a Patriotic Decoration c.1930's. Possibly intended originally for the Silver Jubilee of George V in 1935, or the Coronation of George VI in 1937. High quality flag design drawn by world-renowned Vexillological Graphic Artist Mario Fabretto; digitally printed onto 100% Polyester bunting, finished with metal eyelets.

Rare version with different Canadian shield and star of India used

My classroom

My previous classroom:

From the Atlas of the British Empire

1897 Golden Jubilee flag

Measuring 30" by 26" and featuring 61 colonies and 11 red ensigns.

Circa 1928 British Imperial flag

Vintage flag measuring 23" x 35.4" printed showing large Tudor crown, lion rampant, a red rose, harp, dragon and various flags (Royal Navy, Canada and South Africa on left, Australia, New Zealand and United Kingdom on right).

Great War Postcards

Flags of the 1914-1918 Allies Cigarette Cards

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland,White and blue ensigns

Red Ensign, Commonwealth of Australia and Dominion of New Zealand

British East Africa, British Guiana and the Dominion of Canada

Ceylon, India and Jamaica

Newfoundland, Straits Settlement and Union of South Africa

Sigismund Goetze's Britannia Pacificatrix at the Foreign Office showing Britannia victorious after the Great War, upholding the peace with the aid of Her far-off sons and allies within a marble colonnade topped with a Latin inscription. She shakes hands with America, wearing the cap of liberty and holding the scales of justice. She in turn is flanked by France, grasping a short sword pointed downward at the wreckage of Germany's war machine, and Italy, holding the axe and fasces. All stand on the imperial flag of Germany.

Behind the Mother Country stand the dominions- Newfoundland (holding the trident), and the others holding their red esnigns-South Africa (wearing a lion skin), Canada (crowned with wheat and girded with maple leaves), and Australia (in digger's hat), embracing neighbour New Zealand (in golden fleece). The supporting players are India in suit of armour, Arabia looking like King Feisal, Greece carrying a statue, Romania an oil jar, Japan cherry blossom, whilst a naked black boy supports on his head a cornucopia symbolising Africa's potential. Belgium is seen naked with broken sword clinging to Britannia, but with flag unsullied, and a Serbia being comforted, clinging to Her flag.

Badges of British Colonial Ensigns from Flags of Maritime Nations, 1914

Published by the US Department of Navy

The Flags of the British Empire from 1917, Includes: England. Scotland. Ireland. War. Naval. Wales. Royal Family. Customs. Vessels. Lighthouses. Boats. Gibraltar. Malta. Cyprus. Isle of Man. Alderney. Jersey. Guernsey. Canada. Bermuda. Bahama. Jamaica. Turks and Caicos. Barbados. St. Lucia. Falkland. New Zealand. Tonga. Australia. Borneo. Malay. Pahang. India. Egypt. Nigeria.

Edward VIII Commemorative Flags

Using the same design featuring the flags of British India, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and South Africa for three different sovereigns.

Left: Set of 'British Empire' vintage playing cards featuring the flags of New Zealand, India, Canada, Australia, and South Africa. Right: British flag mascot, dated 1937, made for the Coronation

Edward VIII souvenir plaque for the 1937 Coronation which never took place due to the Abdication, featuring portrait of the King in full military dress framed with a crowned wreath, flags of Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, Australia and India around, 152mm. On the right entitled Chamberlain the Peacemaker are shown the flags (from left to right) of New Zealand, India, Dominion of Canada, South Africa and Australia.

"Women Vote Under These Flags": Interesting depiction of flags including use of red Ensign for England as opposed to the St. George flag, an unofficial Irish Free State flag, a non-Scandinavian crossed Finnish flag, unusual Icelandic flag and an early representation of the Welsh flag not to be officially adopted until 1959.

Opening of British Empire Exhibition

At the opening of the British Empire Exhibition in April 1924 in Wembley Stadium. Inexcusably, the Union flag is flying upside down.

Ridgways Tea tin, depicting H.M. King George V and Queen Mary

Left: Canadian ensign, 1892-1922
Right: Apparently the Indian Viceroy's flag

Left: Unknown African Governor's flag
Right: Australia

British Imperial Flags from the 1936 Olympics

British Empire flags from the set of cards issued for the 1936 Berlin Games produced by Aurelia of Dresden.

With the Canadian flag in front during the Olympics and what appears to be the Bermudan Governor's flag on the right from a National Geographic article in the February 1937 issue titled "Changing Berlin".

Indian flag being hoisted during the Berlin 1936 Olympics and from a screen shot from Olympia 1 Teil - Fest der Völker

Other screen shots From Olympia 1 Teil - Fest der Völker

Canadian Flags, the one on the left showing its shield within a white disc which I have never seen anywhere else.

Left: Governor General of Jamaica (not sure why this would have been flown)
Right: New Zealand RED Ensign (centre) and Malta to its right

Handkerchiefs of the British Empire

The silk handkerchief on the right with flags of the British Empire all around the edge: Great Britain, South Africa, Australia, Southern Rhodesia, India, Ceylon, British Guiana, Malta, Canada, Newfoundland, Straits settlement, New Zealand and Northern Rhodesia measuring 44 cm x 43 cm.

FLAGS AND SIGNALS OF ALL NATIONS by Hounsell Brothers, flag manufacturers to the Lords' Commissioners of the Admiralty.

Blue Ensign flag, Union Jack and Red Ensign flag
Royal Standard, Standard of Prince of Wales and Standard of Duke of Edinburgh
Commodore's Broad Pendant flag, Scottish flag, and flag of the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland

British Consul flag, British Custom House flag, and Union Jack Merchant flag
Admiralty Flag, Admiral's Flag and White Ensign flag
London, Edinburgh and Dublin

Cadbury's Cigarette cards

Silks Kensitas British Empire Flags

Vintage Silks of Flags

5th Series featuring Bermuda, Falkland Islands, Bahamas, West Africa Settlement & Gold Coast, British East Africa, Canada, Ireland, West Australia (1870-1953) and New South Wales.

1950s Flags of the Empire bunting

Twenty four small flags from the British Empire, dating from the early 1950's. They are attached to a length of cord which measures approximately 29 feet (8.85 metres) long. Each flag is printed on a loose weave material - probably cotton. There are two each from the following countries: Union Flag, Scotland, Wales, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, India, Ceylon, Pakistan, South Africa, Southern Rhodesia and the Gold Coast (Ghana).

Flags of the British Empire

Based on the initiative of John Marwood (Oxford, UK), high-resolution bimap artwork by Roberto Breschi (Lucca, Italy and vector art by Mario Fabretto (Turriaco, Italy)

Flags and Badges of the British Empire

From the Philips British Empire Atlas with the Navy League Crest illustrating the historical development, physical and climatic features, natural resources, trade and economic development, scenery, flags and badges of the British Empire. It was printed in Great Britain in 1924, is 250mm x 195mm and over 80 pages.

circa 1930s

Left: 1895 Chart entitled Flags of the British Empire showing the Blue Pendant & White Pendant and the following flags: Royal Naval Reserve, Lloyd’s ensign, Man o’ War, Board of Trade Marine Department, The Royal Standard, Custom House, Governor General of Colonies, St George’s Cross, British India, Dominion of Canada, Union Flag, Newfoundland, Cape Colony, Natal, Merchant Red Ensign, Commonwealth of Australia and the Dominion of New Zealand. Right:Wills in 1908 entitled Flags & Ensigns. Includes White Ensign, Strait Settlements, Sandwich Islands, Governor General of Colonies, Custom House, British Empire Admiralty Vessels, Board of Trade and Blue Ensign.
From Whitney Smith's book on Flags

James Stevenson & Co's Flags of all Nations

Detailed Inventory of Colonial Discs and Shields

Click to enlarge

Flags, Badges & Arms of His Majesty’s Dominions Beyond the Seas and of Territories Under His Majesty’s Protection

From French Navy Flagbook

From Marcus E.V. Schmöger's remarkable collection, graciously provided. His own websites can be found at www: http://www.smev.de/flags http://www.ed-wappen.de

1899 Chromolithographs of World Flags

Massary Zigarettenfabrik 1929

click to enlarge

Wer nennt die Länder-kennt die Flaggen. This German tobacco card album was published in 1929 by the German tobacco company Massary in Berlin in 1929 and contains 64 pages with filled with a complete set of 837 1 ¾ x 2 ½ inch cards depicting flags of all the countries around the world including some of their colonies and provinces and over130 cards of the British Empire.

From Die Welt in Bilder Album 7 -Fahnenbilder Aussereuropäische Staaten (The World in Pictures Volume 7 subtitled Flags of the World Outside of European States)

This tobacco card album was published in 1932 by the German tobacco company Cigaretten-Bilderdienst in Dresden(a union of various tobacco companies) and contains 27 pages filled with a complete set of 200 1 ¾ x 2 ½ inch cards with gold borders depicting flags of countries around the world except Europe.

Pamphlets published in the Dominion of Canada during the Second World War
(click images to enlarge)

Flags of Empire

Eight-page booklet of WW2 Flags published by Maple Leaf Milling advertising Red River Cereal.

Canada and the United Nations

20 pages, by Gutta, Percha & Rubber Co., lithographed in Toronto, 19 countries listed with leader portraits and scenic illustrations.

Flags of Empire - Flags of Commonwealth

The chart on the left celebrates the first 100 years of the Australian National Flag and the use of the British Union Flag in 30 national, state and vice-regal Flags flown between 1901 and 2001. It also acknowledges the origins of the Australian National Flag, derived from the British Admiralty’s basic design directives for colonial and Dominion Flags, i.e., the Union Flag and a local design feature elsewhere on the flag.
That on the right shows the wrong depiction of the Canadian flag inexplicably.

Australian Disloyalty

From Alfred Znamierowski's The World of Flags (pp. 108-109)

Canada(1922-1957), Canada (1957-1965), South Africa (1912-1928)

Grenada, Nyasaland, Tanganyika, Gilbert & Ellice Islands, Burma, Sarawak, Fed. of Rhodesia & Nyasaland, Guyana, Solomon Islands, Seychelles, Bahamas, Dominica, Saint Lucia, Barbados, British Honduras, Turks and Caicos Islands, New Zealand (1900-1902), Australia (1903-1908)

From Anja McGifford's Sew Many Flags; The Complete Flagmaker's Manual

British Overseas Territories today

Flags of the 14 Overseas Territories used by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and outside the Millennium Hall in Flore, Northamptonshire. This project is understood to be unique to Flore, since the Commonwealth Institute, which used to fly all these flags in London's South Kensington closed in 1996.

www.tristandc.com/newsabroad.php

Vice-Regal standards at the Commonwealth Flag Project

National Ensigns of British North America and the Dominion of Canada

2012-01-22T22:07:00.000-08:00

Frobisher's Expedition, 1577

Royal Union Flag, 1707
Royal Union Flag, 1801
Canadian Red Ensign, 1871
Canadian red ensign, 1873
Canadian red ensign, 1876
Canadian Red Ensign, 1907
Canadian Red Ensign, 1922
Canadian Red Ensign, 1957
Royal Canadian Navy
Royal Canadian Air Force
Canadian Army Battle Flag (Canadian Active Service Force Flag 1939-1944)

Chronology of the Canadian Red Ensign

1868-1921

Quarterly: 1- Green with three yellow maple leaves on one stem below a white chief with a red cross throughout; 2- Yellow with two light blue fleurs des lis in chief and three green maple leaves on one stem in base between a red fesse bearing a yellow lion passant reguardent; 3- Yellow with three green thistles with violet bloom, two in chief and one in base, between a wavy blue fesse bearing a white cod fish; 4- Yellow with a blue lymphad bearing red flags and sailing on green waters below a red chief bearing a yellow lion passant reguardent

The original Canadian Red Ensign had the arms of the four founding provinces on its shield. However, in the late 19th and early 20th century, flag manufacturers would often supplement this design with laurel wreaths and crowns. The design was frequently placed on a white square or circle in the flag's fly. There was no standard design for the Red Ensign until the early 1920s.

In 1868 a royal warrant created the Great Seal of Canada. The first Canadian Red Ensign was created shortly after this (without formal authority) and flown over the Canadian Parliament. This flag was made official in 1892 (after a personal intervention with the British Admiralty, which had the final say on such matters until 1931, by Governor General Stanley (the donor of the Stanley Cup for hockey), and remained so until 1922.

In 1917, during World War I, the Canadian Expeditionary Force raised this Canadian Red Ensign (popularly known at that time as the "Canadian Flag") on Vimy Ridge, not the Union Jack, even though all Commonwealth forces were technically British during the War. Canada was also signatories of the Versailles Treaty and charter members of the League of Nations, both under this Canadian Red Ensign. Through out this period, widespread use of this flag on land continued on Canadian government buildings. http://www.loeser.us/flags/canada.html

Made by http://tmealf.com/

87 by 45 inches

Canadian red ensign in Imperial War Museum

Red Ensign flying again at Vimy Ridge

While the soldiers died for and under the Union Jack, and this flag was outdated by at least 20 years, at least it's a start...

At the 1936 dedication ceremony and in 1998

Back ten years later, this time to see the real flag honoured:

Vimy LOL 2697 carrying the Canadian Red Ensign (described on its site as "of 1917") displayed in Remembrance Day commemorations honouring all Orange Brothers who gave the supreme sacrifice at Vimy Ridge.

A Canadian red ensign which sold for $120,000 at Sotheby's

1870-1873

Right: Personal Collection

An early version of Manitoba's coat of arms was added to represent the new province. The badge was surrounded by a wreath of maple leaves and a crown. The addition of Manitoba gave the flag a 5-Province Shield.In 1870 the Canadian shield underwent a change dividing the bottom row of province arms into thirds, i.e. from left to right, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and adding the arms of Manitoba. This first design of Manitoba's seal is similar to the present arms, but without the rock, with a crown on the cross, and with the buffalo portrayed charging. This gave rise to the assumption that quarterings for other provinces would be added when they were admitted to Confederation, but the Manitoba symbol (and those of the later provinces) were never officially added to the Great Seal. However, this made little difference, since most flag makers usually added the symbol to both the Blue and Red Ensigns. Until 1922, there were many variations in displaying the shield on the flag: sometimes a white disk was behind the shield, sometimes there was wreath of maple leaves or a wreath of roses, thistles, and shamrocks, and sometimes the shield was topped by a beaver or crown. http://www.loeser.us/flags/canada_note_2.html#shield3

45" x 70"

36 inches by 20 1/2 inches

Commemorative Flags

Given the prolific number of fakes being sold on eBay as outlined at the Canadian Anglo-Boer War Museum, it seems suspicious how the arms in these flags are identical despite a gap of twenty years- the flag on the left apparently dates from 1881 whilst that on the right is supposedly celebrating the 1901 Royal Tour of Canada by the future King George V & Queen Mary.

1870-73 Canadian ensign with deranged Union flag

90 cm x 1.33 m

It is common, today, to find wildly misspelled words on souvenir items made in China, by assembly line workers not remotely familiar with the English language. But this is definitely an antique, not from China; the rust marks, the faded colours, the age burn generally, all combine to firmly date this flag to the 1880s or 90s, when work of this quality was actually made right here in Canada by newly arrived immigrants from mainland Europe, with hardly any schooling, certainly not in the English language, or knowledge of the flag of their newly adopted country. The quality control officer was probably an Irishman, and closet Fenian... The fabric is tough and thick cotton; the tack - that's the flag border traditionally nailed to the flagpole, for you non-sailor types - is reinforced with heavy canvas and two metal grommets. This flag is also huge, the biggest of its type we've seen, at 1.3 m long. It is strongly printed on both sides. The clew - that's the other end - is reinforced with thread to prevent fraying in the wind... www.goldiproductions.com/BoerWar_Museum/Boer4e2_fabric_flags2.html

1873-1892

In 1873 the flag was modified to represent the new provinces of British Columbia and Prince Edward Island with the 7-shield badge placed on a white disk. The coat of arms was very similar to the present coat-of-arms, except that the motto "parva sub ingenti" was an integral part of the design.

18"X36", being sold on ebay currently for $250

5 by 19 inches which sold on eBay for an astonishing $460

Left: Personal collection: 26x56 inches (pole 4 feet)
Right: Purported Canadian red ensign measuring 32" by 19"

7' x 3'6" flag

108" by 51"

159" by 66"

5 feet by 11 feet

Left: Hanging in the narthex at St. Peter's Anglican Church; Erindale; Mississauga, Ontario.

From the Elman W. Campbell Museum in Newmarket, Ontario. There used to be a Dixon's Pencils Factory in Newmarket; somebody there made this flag out of their pencils and eventually it was donated to the museum.

Silk, measuring 8.5 x 17.5 inches (22 x 45 cm)

Cotton textile consisting of nine panels 29" X 12'

Canadian Red Ensign which had belonged to a troop which closed in 1941.

14" X 19"

Canadian Ensign from Boer War presented to the Army Museum in the Halifax Citadel

Two years ago, LCol Glass found this flag on eBay and bought it in July 2006. The seller told him the history that links the ensign to Nova Scotia and when LCol Glass gave the pennant to RAdm Girouard, he had a written history to accompany it. He kept the pennant in his office while he was Commander MARPAC but noted “I couldn’t keep this national treasure.” Knowing the military history and having lived in Halifax, RAdm Girouard stated the pennant belonged in the Army Museum at the Citadel. “I knew it had to come home and that’s why we are here today. I’m really honoured to be able to close the loop on this beautiful little artifact.” It’s a Canadian Red Ensign carried over by a member of E Battery, the Canadian horse artillery, to the Boer War., belonging to a Nova Scotia soldier named Macdonald. It was Macdonald’s personal property and was kept in his family for many years before it ended up on eBay. “It is a rather unusual ensign because the crest on it was a proposed ensign from 1873, which was never approved. It only has five provinces on it and I assume the reason it wasn’t approved was that was the year PEI came into Confederation and they are not shown on the crest. There was a whole series of Red Ensigns over the years that were proposed and not approved. This was one of them.” http://www.army.dnd.ca/lfaa_hq/stories/mueum.htm

Claimed by its eBay seller to be yet another Boer War flag, this only measures 3 by 6 INCHES. On the front is written "Relief of Ladysmith Feby 27 1900."

Looking at the site angloboerwarmuseum.com/Boer12b_fake_flags.html I wouldn't trust the veracity of any so-called Boer War flag being sold on eBay.

Canadian Boer War Display Flag, 1899

54.5 x 85 cm Canadian 1870 ensign with upper cameo showing the Boer War dress of Canada's First Contingent which went to South Africa in October, 1899, possibly in honour of the Canadian triumph at Paardeberg, in February, 1900, and made to wave on their return that November. http://www.goldiproductions.com/BoerWar_Museum/Boer4e2_fabric_flags2.html

1896

British Columbia adopted a new coat of arms.

1907-1921

In 1907 Alberta and Saskatchewan were added to the shield whilst the coats of arms of British Columbia, Prince Edward Island, and Manitoba took on their modern forms making a 9-province shield.
The 19th Century provincial badges of Manitoba, Prince Edward Island and British Columbia were not recognized by the College of Heralds, and had to be altered when official provincial coats of arms were authorized in 1905.

The "Union Jack" was moved to the chief because the principal symbolism of the arms should occupy the bulk of the shield (e.g. the sun and water of the British Columbia arms is equivalent to the buffalo of the Manitoba arms). http://www.loeser.us/flags/canada_note_2.html#shield3

Ensign currently held by the Regimental Museum of the Lincoln and Welland Regiment

The flag itself has the word "Kilmvir" or "Kilmuir" and has a faded "1918" that is legible. The flag appears to be made of wool. And is 125"X62" (inches) and 317.5X157.4(cm), 10ftX5.1ft.

34 inches by 53 inches

36" (grommet to grommet) x 52

From the film Passchendaele

1922-1957

A red field bearing in the Canton the Union Jack and in the centre of the fly end the shield of Canada (divided horizontally in thirds, the top two areas divided vertically, 1- Red with three yellow lions; 2- yellow with a red rampant lion within a red double tressure flory counter-flory; 3- Dark blue with a yellow crowned lady harp; 4- Dark blue with three yellow Fleurs des lis, 2 & 1; 5- White with innumerable small dark blue points bearing in the centre three green maple leaves on a single stem.
At the end of the Great War when the College of Heralds was working on the current Canadian Coat of Arms, they wanted the maple leaves to be red, as they are at present. Sir Joseph Pope did everything in his power to stop it in favour of green leaves, on the assumption that vigorous leaves are green and dying (fall) leaves are red. The College of Heralds got their way by recommending to King George V that the leaves be "proper," natural coloured in heraldic language. Since both red and green are "proper" hence the change in 1957 could be made without any need to revisit the Grant of Arms.

Incredibly, this slip of a flag (described by the seller as an "unusual (sic) vintage 1930s heraldic union jack ensign flag) sold for $156.05 on eBay. 24" x 38" with shield looking identical to that of the British Empire flag

Canadian ensigns displayed during the Flag Day and Open House at the XII Manitoba Dragoons/26th Field Regiment Museum in the Brandon Armoury, a small museum of about 800 square feet which mostly tries to show the artefacts and history of the military from South-western Manitoba.

Presenting the flag to the Nova Scotia Alpha fraternity

2 1/3 yard long Pioneer Brand made by Jones Tent & Awning Ltd

3 feet by 5 feet with grommets on bunting

Made of a blend of nylon and wool fabric, manufacturer is SCYCO, and measures approximately 36"x72" with two grommets at either end of the cotton sleeve. The sleeve has a rope going through it, but has been cut off at both ends. The shield has been screen printed and then sewn onto the flag in an appliqué style and measures approximately 8"x11"

Apparently flown at a public facility, the printing on it states that is is 5 foot x 10 foot, but is closer to 58" x 116". Has original rope with brass ring and brass clasp to hang onto a flag pole.
The seller of this flag measuring over 9 feet at 114 x 50 inches on eBay claims that
This flag was flown on the ship during the First World War and draped on the coffin of a HMCS Niobe crew member who died in 1920 while still serving on board the ship.
However, this version of the Canadian flag did not come into existence until four years AFTER the war. In addition, if any Canadian ensign flew on a ship during WWI, it would have been the white ensign or perhaps even the blue ensign.

25 inches by 51 inches

The flag on the left measures 36"by 58" whilst the right measures approximately 132" x 68"

6 feet long
69 inches x 46 inches with gold frill along the edge.
Unusual dimensions from my personal collection: 4feet by 6feet

Massive 15 foot flag

5 feet by 13 feet

5' by 8'

Canadian red ensign and Union flag indoor parade flags

From the Kit Shop of the Royal Canadian Legion in Ottawa, Ont. Both flags have been on display inside but have not been taken outdoors. Each, 27"x54" is individually mounted on a 7-foot oak pole, and comes complete with acorn ornament and cord/tassels.

Final Retirement of Camp Vernon's Canadian Red Ensign

The Colour Guard removes the last Red Ensign to be flown over the camp and folds it for presentation to the City of Vernon.

From Russia with Love

The Canadian red ensign at the beginning of the second James Bond film 'From Russia with Love' during the chess match (which, incidentally, used Boris Spassky's ending against Bronstein in the 1960 USSR Championship).

Ceremonial Canadian Red Ensign

Made of High Quality Silk, the Union Jack is multi-piece assembled with shield hand-painted on silk and sewn on the flag. According to the seller, "this is the highest quality period red ensign that you could find!!" The size is approximately 24" X 48"

Canadian red ensign at 2007 Beijing World Youth Academy Sports Day

Canadian Flag in WWII

LEFT: Unfurling the Canadian Red Ensign at First Canadian Army HQ in Normandy, June 29th, 1944. RIGHT: Major-General R.F.L. Keller addressing Canadian troops in Normandy, August 2nd, 1944.

Canadian Yacht Ensigns

Measuring 12"x23.5" and 11"x18"

Still from Paul Verhoeven's film Zwartboek (2006); can't tell if the leaves are red or green...

For some reason the eBay seller is describing this as a New Brunswick flag. Note the VE Day writing on the side.

Personal collection in classroom

1957-1965

A Shield divided horizontally in thirds, the top two areas divided vertically, 1- Red with three yellow lions with blue tongues and claws; 2- Yellow with red rampant lion with blue tongue and claws within a red double tressure flory counter-flory; 3- Dark blue with yellow harp with white strings; 4- Dark blue with three yellow fleurs des lis, 2 & 1 and 5- White with three yellow-veined red maple leaves on a single stem; the elements are all outlined in black.

The maple leaves at the base of the Canadian royal arms change from green to red. The 1921 proclamation specified that the leaves be a "proper," natural colour, but this was ambiguous because maple leaves can be green, yellow, or red. Artists had previously drawn them green, but on this date the Secretary of State announced that they should henceforth be red. The Irish harp was changed from its female incarnation, and the double border within the Scotch arms were erroneously changed to a single one.

[O]n October 8, 1957, a number of stylistic changes were made to the Canadian flag, but only the ones made to the shield affected the ensign badge: the green leaves were changed to red to accord with Canada's national colours and, at the Queen's request, that purely English invention, the female harp, was replaced by the old Celtic harp. This new depiction of the shield produced the third official version of the ensign... completed just in time to have Ottawa awash in the ensigns of the new pattern for the visit of Queen Elizabeth that year.
Unfortunately, in switching to the new design, an error was introduced ... found in the second (upper right) quarter of the shield where there appears the rampant lion of Scotland. This is supposed to be surrounded by a double red border described heraldically as a "double tressure flory-counter-flory gules". This pattern, which contains fleurs-de-lis recalling Scotland's ancient alliance with France, also appears in the flag of Nova Scotia. On the old green-leaf ensigns (1922-1957) it was always represented correctly, but on the red-leaf ensigns (1957-1965) the double border was sloppily reduced to a single one. http://www.fraser.cc/FlagsCan/Nation/Ensigns.html

Last Canadian Ensign to be flown on Parliament Hill Last Canadian Ensign to fly at CFS AlertCanadian Ensign being lowered for the last time at the Chateau de Mercy in Metz, France and at the Royal Military College, February 15, 1965

The Canadian red ensign alongside the Royal Canadian Air Force ensign.

With the white ensign and RCAF flag right.

www.rmcclub.ca/eVeritas/2007/Issue04/200704.htm

Last Canadian Ensign to be flown in Canada as the official flag

The ensign above was lowered at the RCMP border post at Skagway on February 15th. 1965 at 2359hrs. (Alaska time) and replaced by the new Canadian Maple Leaf flag. It now hangs framed (bizarrely for a flag) in St. James Anglican Church, Caledon East, Ontario. Although it is claimed to be the last ensign flown in 1965, it has the pre-1957 shield.

Glorious 3' by 6' stitched red ensign

Shield on right appears pre-1957 but with red leaves.

Canadian red ensigns produced by Dominion Regalia

Proposed Red Ensign from 1946

Produced by Flying Colours

Royal Canadian Navy

HMCS Sackville

HMCS SACKVILLE prior to her commissioning circa 1941. Today it continues to fly the blue ensign and that of the Royal Navy.

HMCS Haida

The HMCS Haida is a Tribal-class destroyer that served in the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) from 1943-1963. She sank more enemy surface tonnage than any other Canadian warship. She is also the only surviving Tribal-class destroyer out of 27 vessels that were constructed between 1937-1945 for the Royal Navy, Royal Australian Navy and the RCN and has been dubbed "the fightingest ship in the Royal Canadian Navy"

http://www.vexman.net/images/CANADABL.JPG

Left is 53" by 26" and appears to be wool whilst the label on the hoist reads Pioneer Brand Regâe(tm)d made by Jones Tent & Awning Ltd. Vancouver, B.C.

Personal flag in classroom

Royal Canadian Air Force

74X36

The world's largest RCAF Flag flying near the Nanton Museum in Alberta. Donated by Halifax 57 Rescue Canada, Flags Inc and The Model Train Store in the town.

Left: The RCAFA 447 Wing is located in an 'H' hut on the grounds of the Hamilton International Airport. The area was used as a Royal Air Force training facility from 1939 to 1945, and is one of the few remaining 'H' huts in existence from that era. Pictured is 447 Wing president, Judith Brown in the flag room.
Right: 40th anniversary of the first flight of Avro Arrow 201, March 21 1998, Toronto Airport Holiday Inn

Royal Canadian Air and Sea Cadets

by Miles Li

The first Ensign of the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets (RCSC) was a white flag with a Union Jack Canton with the insignia of the RCSC at the fly. Christophe T. Stevenson (Ex-Coxswain of the RCSCC 223 Longueull)

Canadian Army Battle Flag (Canadian Active Service Force Flag 1939-1944)

In the Second World War, which Canada entered after Britain declared war on Germany, they used the Canadian Red Ensign as their national flag, but also in use was a lesser known battle flag. Canada wanted its army to be distinguishable among the great mass of British troops, and so provided it with, not the Canadian Red Ensign, but this new battle flag.

Designed by Colonel Archer Fortescue Duguid, Director of the Historical Section of the National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa, the flag of the Canadian Active Service Force, generally known as the "Battle Flag of Canada," was approved by the War Cabinet December 7 1939.
http://www.loeser.us/flags/canada.html

Royal Canadian Ordnance Corps

The Royal Canadian Ordnance Corps does not have colours in the military meaning commonly associated with that of the Cavalry and Infantry, but has the unique distinction of flying a flag which embraces the Union flag in its upper canton next to the flag staff. The Royal Canadian Ordnance Corps is the only Corps in the Canadian Army that has had this singular privilege bestowed upon it and which traditionally commenced through its parent corps, the royal Army Ordnance Corps, as far back as 1694 when the seal of the board of Ordnance was added to and flown with the red ensign of its day to mark the authority in matters pertaining to it. The design was submitted by the Director of Ordnance Services on 23 April 1947 for approval and was promulgated in CAO 54-3 on 1 December 1952. A later amendment made to Canadian Army Orders in 1964 defines the flag as follows:

On a blue field, the Union Flag in the upper left hand corner; on the fly end a green maple leaf 12 inches high; superimposed on the maple leaf, in full colour, the royal Canadian Ordnance Corps badge in the design approved by the Sovereign in December 1963, height of badge 6 ½ inches.

The proper size of this flag is 6 ft by 3 ft.

Canadian Victory Loan Flags

From the Great War

Here is attached also a new full-size drawing I did based on the photo on your web site of the Prince of Wales Honour Flag with two crests. As far as I can gather from the newspaper articles of the day, the additional badge for exceeding your quota could be any one of the Prince's three crests. However all I ever see mentioned are the "plumes" as they are referred to, which is exactly what appears in your photo. Dave Martucci, http://www.vexman.net/ and http://www.midcoast.com/~martucci/neva/

World War II Victory Loan Flags

1st Campaign

This was a Canadian flag of the early from June 2, 1941 connected with raising money for the war effort. It was the first in a series of nine Pledge Flags, each with a different badge, that were used in promoting the Victory Loan campaign. David Prothero, 27 September 2001

2nd Campaign

image by Dave Martucci

An original Second World War period Canadian Victory Bond Streamer Flag issued exclusively for the 2nd Victory Loan “Come on Canada!” campaign of early 1942. They were employed to decorate buildings, store fronts, city streets and even vehicles. This particular example was printed on plain-woven canvas fabric, measuring 4-inches by 5 3/4-inches, displaying a colorful Union Jack to the upper left and a dark green maple leaf to the lower right. The flag equally retains a 13 3/4-inch segment of stitched streamer cord.

3rd Campaign

This WWII Canadian Victory Loan pledge flag with the Union Jack, blue shield and dagger on the white field, is from the 3rd campaign of WWII in Oct 1942 to raise funds for the war effort. The slogan for this campaign was "Come on Canada." It was the 3rd in a series of nine Pledge Flags, each with a different badge, that were used in promoting the Victory Loan campaign.

Pennant issued exclusively for the 3rd Victory Loan “Nothing matters now but Victory” campaign of late 1942. This is a choice wartime tapering flag of fine quality woven cotton fabric, measuring 24-inches, at the widest point, by 56-inches in length. Pennant is obviously well made and consists of five machine stitched individual pieces. A printed pattern variation of the loan’s distinctive symbol, featuring a 1st Pattern Fairbairn-Sykes Commando Knife, is displayed within a white bordered blue shield. The pennant equally retains its full length, looped Manila hoisting rope.

4th campaign

It began 23 October 1944 using the slogan "Invest in Victory - Buy One More Than Before". The flag measures approx. 8' long by 4 1/2' wide. It contains a Union Jack in the upper left-hand corner with a flaming sword over a 7 on a shield centring a white field.

Fifth Campaign

image by Dave Martucci

24-inches, at the widest point, by 58-inches in length.

“Something new has been added for the Fifth Victory Loan campaign - a “V” Flag, to be awarded to Canadian plants whose employees do exceptionally well during the campaign. This flag will be awarded to those establishments where 90 per cent, or more of the employees invest 15 per cent or more of the monthly payroll in Victory Bonds or War Savings Certificates. Three stars will be affixed to the lower right hand corner of the flag. The flags were provided in two sizes 4ft.6in. by 9 ft. and 2ft.1in. by 4ft.2in. The larger size is No. 1 Admiralty bunting which will withstand outdoor conditions.”

Sixth Campaign

image by Dave Martucci

An actual unaffixed flag shield, measuring 12 1/2-inches by 18 1/2-inches, of fine quality woven cotton fabric holding a printed pattern variation of the loan’s “Winged Six” in Roman Numerals, nicely displayed within a blue bordered shield outline.

Seventh Campaign

Left image by Eugene Ipavec and Martin Grieve; for some reason the image omits the red border on the right.
The pledge flag on the right was flown in St. George during the Seventh Victory Loan. It began 23 October 1944 using the slogan "Invest in Victory - Buy One More Than Before". The flag measures approx. 8' long by 4 1/2' wide and contains a Union Flag in the canton with a flaming sword over a 7 on a shield centring a white field and a red border on three sides.

8th Campaign

David Zaborowski

Unaffixed flag shield, a smaller example, measuring 7-inches by 9 3/4-inches, of a thicker woven cotton fabric holding a printed pattern variation of the loan’s symbol, a number "Eight" surrounded by a wreath of laurel leaves, nicely displayed within a red and blue shield.

9th Campaign

Approximately 4.5 x 9 feet, this flag was purchased from Vancouver, BC about a year and a half ago. The flag is soiled and stained and unfortunately lacks the badge which would have indicated which Victory Loan Drive it was originally from. Complete with faded "SS Holden Ottawa" manufacturer's tag. Originally sold on eBay by flagsofempire

Governor General's flags

The Provincial Arms and Dominion Flags dated May 6, 1871, with what is identified as the Governor General's flag in the centre which appears as a white ensign with the arms in the centre.

1901-1921 Flag

1921-1931 Flag

Currently hanging up in my classroom; specially commissioned from Artelina Sewn Flags.

Current

This last flag is the proud property of Mattias who informed me that it is the Canadian Governor-General’s flag from the 193os – 1940s and describes it as "is a real genuine find!"

This flag with the Imperial crown was used when Queen Elizabeth's father George VI was king; this was the crown he used, and his father and so on. Some Museum in western Canada came upon three of these when cleaning out an old storage area. ALL STILL SEALED IN THE ORIGINAL 1930s WAX PAPER!!!! I managed through contacts to get one, and then persuaded the person to let me have the second as well, as the museum only needed one for their display purposes!

9 feet by 4'9, marked 1987

Royal Navies and Air Forces of the British Empire and Commonwealth

2008-07-05T04:27:00.001-07:00

The Royal Navy and British Empire gave birth to many of the world's leading navies of today. These navies from humble beginnings often volunteer forces joined together for the better cause of world peace, trade and commerce. http://www.royal-navy.org/articles/article.php?name=1

The Royal Navy

White Ensign flown by S.M. Scouts
White Ensign - 1st Flag flown by S.M. Scouts in March 1908 and at all subsequent standing camps and Trek Camps of 1st Claremont Troop.

http://www.scouting.org.za/groups/1stclaremont/history/firstflag.html

Battle Ensign and Ship's Plaque from the fifth HMS Nottingham 1916

Battle Ensign of HMS Campbell, in action D-Day

http://www.eriding.net/media/photos/history/eden_camp/050525_cbrown_mp_his_edcamp_2773.jpg

Another ensign from D-Day

On display at the Royal Navy Submarine Museum.

http://www.rnsubmus.co.uk/dday/dday.htm

White ensign recovered after 81 years underwater from HMS Boxer

Presentation to the Shipwreck Museum at Arreton, Isle of Wight of the ensign belonging to the torpedo boat destroyer HMS Boxer, Britain's oldest serving destroyer, sunk in collision with the ambulance transport ship, St. Patrick in 1918. According to E.J. Towse, responsible for recovering the flag,

I had wandered off the main wreckage by about 8 metres and found a tangled heap of material in a small isolated piece of broken ironwork. After considerable pulling I managed to remove what appeared to be some sort of flag. The Union section was obvious, although I could not establish the extent of the damage while still underwater. As I carried the soggy heap around for the remainder of my dive I wondered if it was worthwhile recovering these remains. Surface examination proved exciting; it was obviously a large white ensign (12ft. by 6ft.) in remarkably good preservation in spite of the physical damage. The colours and material seemed almost unaffected by their 81 years underwater and a presumed life of over 100 years, from her completion in June 1895.

http://www.mcdoa.org.uk/News_Archive_20.htm

White Ensign over HMS Antelope

HMS Liverpool dived on the wreck of HMS Antelope to raise a White Ensign over her, maintaining the tradition of keeping an ensign flying over as many of the Navy's war graves as possible. Royal Engineers regimental cap badge attached to the ensign, marking loss of Staff Sergeant Prescott, the Bomb Disposal Officer killed whilst attempting to make safe a bomb lodged inside HMS Antelope. http://www.royal-navy.mod.uk/server?show=nav.1684&imageIndex=26

7ft x 14ft stitched ensign
Two by Three foot flag dating apparently from the 1940/50s

50" X 104"
12 feet by 6 feet with the British War Department World War 2 Arrowhead stamp mark on the flag edge.

80 x 58 inches
171 by 91 centimetres

Huge flag made of a woven material marked "Boatswain 6" and has a rope on the one side with a hook.

5 foot x 10 foot 1917 Royal Navy Ensign
104 by 56 inches
Dated 1939, 70" X 37"

72"X38"

Rather singular use of clips for this new MOD surplus issue 3 yard ensign.

RN Ensign and Commission Pennant

Flying the Ensign: Bosun ‘CK’ raises the Ensign whilst approaching UK territorial waters.
http://www.someoneelseslife.com/?p=488

Official Royal Navy Commissioning or Masthead Pennant measuring 3” x 36”. Modern Royal Navy commissioning pennants are significantly shorter than in previous centuries - typically 1m in length and only 10cm at the hoist, tapering to a squared-off point. Made of nylon or nylon-wool bunting, the field consists white with the red cross of St. George sewn on at the head.

http://www.lighthouseantiques.net/uniforms/uniforms.html

Royal Australian Navy
At first, Royal Australian Navy ships flew the British White Ensign from the stern, under the direction of the British Admiralty. Australian government ministers, along with their counterparts from other dominions such as Canada, had proposed in 1909 that a White Ensign defaced with a local symbol would be more appropriate, however the Admiralty insisted that the national flag flown from the jackstaff at the bow was sufficient to display the nationality of the ship.

By 1965, Australian forces were fighting in the Vietnam War, a war which did not involve the British, and a member of parliament questioned the appropriateness of using the ensign of another country. At the same time, it was reported in parliament that the Navy were looking for a distinctly Australian ensign. On considering the matter on 21 January 1966, the Naval Board recommended to the Government "that the Royal Australian Navy should have its own unique white ensign", a "white flag with the Union Flag in the upper canton at the hoist with six blue stars positioned as in the Australian flag". The new ensign was granted Royal Assent on 7 November 1966 and announced by the Prime Minister on 23 December 1966. The introduction of the ensign was brought forward from the originally planned date, 1 May 1967, to 1 March, when HMAS Boonaroo became the first ship to be commissioned under the Australian white ensign.

Royal Australian Navy

At first, Royal Australian Navy ships flew the British White Ensign from the stern, under the direction of the British Admiralty. Australian government ministers, along with their counterparts from other dominions such as Canada, had proposed in 1909 that a White Ensign defaced with a local symbol would be more appropriate, however the Admiralty insisted that the national flag flown from the jackstaff at the bow was sufficient to display the nationality of the ship.

By 1965, Australian forces were fighting in the Vietnam War, a war which did not involve the British, and a member of parliament questioned the appropriateness of using the ensign of another country. At the same time, it was reported in parliament that the Navy were looking for a distinctly Australian ensign. On considering the matter on 21 January 1966, the Naval Board recommended to the Government "that the Royal Australian Navy should have its own unique white ensign", a "white flag with the Union Flag in the upper canton at the hoist with six blue stars positioned as in the Australian flag". The new ensign was granted Royal Assent on 7 November 1966 and announced by the Prime Minister on 23 December 1966. The introduction of the ensign was brought forward from the originally planned date, 1 May 1967, to 1 March, when HMAS Boonaroo became the first ship to be commissioned under the Australian white ensign.

Royal Canadian Navy

Possibly 1907-1921

HMCS Sackville

HMCS SACKVILLE prior to her commissioning circa 1941. Today it continues to fly the blue ensign and that of the Royal Navy.

HMCS Haida

Short documentary on the ship

http://www.vexman.net/images/CANADABL.JPG

Left is 53" by 26" and appears to be wool whilst the label on the hoist reads Pioneer Brand Regâe(tm)d made by Jones Tent & Awning Ltd. Vancouver, B.C. Right: 9"x18" polyester, printed, 70 Denier flag. Manufactured in Canada by Scythes. Three brass grommets in the sleeve.

Personal flag in classroom

Canadian Red and White Ensigns

This cover of Crowsnest Magazine, shows the Red Ensign being lowered on the HMCS SASKATCHEWAN, and being replaced by the White Ensign of the RCN.

Royal Canadian Sea Cadets

Proposal for a Canadian Naval Ensign
From the Petition to Restore the Royal Designation: Royal Canadian Navy-Royal Canadian Air Force

The old White Ensign of the Royal Canadian Navy. When the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) was established in 1910, there was some dispute as to what ensign and jack Canadian warships should fly. Eventually it was decided that the White Ensign of the British Royal Navy (RN) would be the Canadian naval ensign, and that the Canadian Blue Ensign (already in use as the government ensign) would be the Canadian naval jack. This arrangement, however, was not entirely satisfactory. Since the jack was not flown underway, RCN ships at sea could not be distinguished from those of the RN. During World War I, therefore, Canadian warships began to display a green maple leaf on either side of the forward funnel. This informal insignia was later made official. The Canadian Navy has been without an official ensign since 1965.

But back to the abominable Canadian variant, which is not even considered the official naval ensign of the Canadian navy, but the Canadian Forces Naval Jack (i.e., worn at the bow when alongside only). That's because Canada doesn't officially have a navy any more, only a "Maritime Command" of the Canadian Armed Forces.
Why not ditch the anchor, bring back St. George and call it the "Royal Canadian Navy Ensign"? Once we reinstitute the Royal prefix to the Canadian navy that is. (Suggested design by Andrew Cusack)
Better yet, deface the ensign with the shield of Canada. Now we're getting somewhere. (Suggested design by Andrew Cusack)
No doubt this is too much to chew politically, but if you really want to get bold, replace the Canadian flag with the Union Jack. (Suggested design by Andrew Cusack)
And if you do all of that, well, you might as well also reinstate the old Jack of the Royal Canadian Navy.

http://rcn-rcaf.blogspot.com/

The earliest proposal for a Canadian Naval Ensign:

This flag was proposed as the Royal Canadian Navy Ensign, but wasn't approved or put into use. When the Naval Service of Canada was established in 1910, the government wanted to adopt the British White Ensign defaced with the Canadian shield as the naval ensign, but the British Admiralty, which had the final say in such matters at that time, would not hear of it.
The funny thing is that some fifty years later, at the time of the Vietnam War, the Admiralty demanded that Australia and New Zealand cease using the undifferentiated White Ensign on their warships. I guess the Canadians asked too soon.

http://www.loeser.us/flags/canada.html

For many of the serving naval personnel, the transition - giving up the old ensigns, and even more the adoption of army-type ranks and green uniforms instead of the distinctive naval ones - was a very painful process. Researcher Alan Filewood recalls:

"I grew up in a navy family; my father was a regular force officer who had risen from the lower deck, and he was himself the son of a petty officer who had come to Canada as one of the British Royal Navy crews that brought Canada's first warships to this country in 1911 and elected to stay to build the RCN. Growing up in a naval family, I was imbued with the traditions of a service that prided itself on its British roots."

"I recall vividly the day the armed forces paraded in Ottawa to witness the lowering of the old service ensigns and the raising of the new. My mother was a naval vet, a former WREN, and at this transformative moment of national symbolism, she wept; with the lowering of the White Ensign something disappeared from her history. Sometime later my father came home demoralized in his new army-style uniform with an army rank. Like many other naval officers, he retired soon thereafter."

The controversy included the dismissal of Rear-Admiral William Landymore, senior officer in the Atlantic, who tried to secure commitments that naval traditions would be maintained, but was later fired by Defence Minister Paul Hellyer for his opposition to the changes.

[Alan Filewood, "Theatre, Navy and The Narrative of 'True Canadianism'", in "Theatre Research in Canada", Vol. 13 No. 1&2 (Spring/Fall 1992) [http://www.lib.unb.ca/Texts/TRIC/bin/get.cgi?directory=vol13_1_2/&filename=Filewod.ht] .]

Royal New Zealand Navy

The seller of this 2 1/2 feet by 18 inch ensign claims that this flag is of "(a)lmost certain to be of WW2 vintage" when the flag design itself only dates from 1968.

HM The Queen's Naval Colours

Queen's Colour, presented to HMAS Cerberus
The Queen's Colours are Australian White Ensigns of silk, with a Crown and Royal Cypher superimposed, and blue and gold cords and tassels. http://www.diggerhistory.info/pages-flags/cerebus.htm

Naval Ensign of Fiji

Royal Flying Corps

An embroidered copy being sold currently on eBay, described as a "typical flag as made and flown before official design was introduced."

Royal Air Force
The RAF Ensign is flown from the flagstaff on every RAF station during daylight hours. The design was approved by King George V in 1921, after much opposition from the Admiralty, who have the right to approve or veto any flag flown ashore or on board ship.
Saluting in front of the Indian Air Force ensign during the 10th Anniversary Parade in 1943.

http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Info/Saluting.html

At Deenethorpe airfield in the Netherlands during the war, allocated to RAF bomber Command.

6 x 3ft RAF station ensign manufactured from 34 different stitched panels, with a hemp rope and brass Inglefield clips. The header is lightly marked PORTER BROS LTD (*) 6 x 3 with a faded contract number and broad arrow. The type and quality of manufacture, the natural materials used, the 1930's Admiralty pattern brass Inglefield clips indicate an early-war production. Made as per British Admiralty regulation, the RAF ensigns were marked with the broad arrow like Royal Navy flags, and not with the AM markings.

60" by 108"

Royal Air Force light blue cotton with union flag and the RAF roundel. Flown condition, 39x17. Mounted on rope and toggle. Multi piece construction.

http://www.messdress-britishmilitaria.com/raf/raf_flags.html

6'x4' Royal Air Force Ensign from the estate of the late Squadron Leader George Edgar Church later to become Air Commodore prior to retirement when he then joined the Royal Navy Fleet Auxilliary as Surgeon Commander. Later in his illustrious life, he was to become a Justice of the Peace. He was a Squadron Commander in Palestine in 1936 and was mentioned in dispatches in 1937 for gallant and distinguished services in the field. During the war he was Principal Medical Officer of RAF Bomber Command. He was killed in a shooting accident in 1974.

73 x 35 inch approx., made by Black & Edgington Flags.

108" by 50"

6'x3' WWII RAF Base Flag with "1944" in black along the pole side of the flag.

Air Training Corps Ensign
Azure blue woven polyester Ensign defaced in the fly with the ATC badge digitally dye printed on a white knitted polyester circle appliquéd back to back with sewn Union Flag in canton. Size – 6’ x 3’, hemmed all round roped and toggled and sold for £138.00 at http://www.cadetkitshop.com/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=17.

Being sold at www.militaryitems.com for $350, the overall length of the flag is 9' x 4'. The end of the flag has a sewn shield displaying a flying eagle. Its size is approximately 25" x 30". The words "Venture, Adventure" are found at the feet of the shield while the words "Air Training Corps" surround the eagle in a circular pattern. A rectangular strip is found under the shield. That is where the Squadron name is found. "Squadron Nbr 343 Camberwell".

Royal Canadian Air Force

74X36

The world's largest RCAF Flag flying near the Nanton Museum in Alberta. Donated by Halifax 57 Rescue Canada, Flags Inc and The Model Train Store in the town.

Remembering the Battle of Britain in Canada

Canadian veterans of the Battle of Britain are guests of honour at the 67th anniversary parade at the Canadian Aviation Museum in Ottawa.

Produced by Flying Colours

The Colours of the RCAF at the National Air Force Museum of Canada; Trenton, Ontario.

Royal Canadian Air Cadets

by Miles Li

Royal Australian Air Force

The RAAF was established in 1921. On 24 July 1922, the British Royal Air Force Ensign was approved as the ensign of the RAAF which was used until 1948 when the RAAF asked to change the flag to avoid confusion. A warrant for the new flag, which had the roundel in the lower fly of sky-blue ensign with Commonwealth Star and tilted southern cross to match the Australian national flag, was given in 1949. The RAAF adopted a distinctive roundel on 2 July 1956; a red kangaroo replacing the red circle of the British version. The old roundel remained on the ensign, however, until 1981, when the Her Majesty The Queen approved the change to the current flag.

The Royal Australian Air Force Ensign is used by the Royal Australian Air Force in Australia and overseas. It is based on the Australian national flag, with the field changed to Air Force blue, and the southern cross tilted clockwise to make room for the RAAF roundel inserted in the lower fly quarter. The roundel is a red leaping kangaroo on white within a dark blue ring. The ensign was proclaimed as a Flag of Australia under section 5 of the Flags Act on 6 May 1982.

The southern cross is tilted so that Gamma Crucis stays in the same position as for the Australian National Flag and that Alpha Crucis is moved along the x-axis towards the hoist by one-sixth of the width of the flag. This results in the axis being rotated 14.036° clockwise around Gamma Crucis and each star is rotated in this way, although the constellation as an whole is not simply rotated.

The RAAF Ensign below was marched in and laid up in a solemn ceremony at the National Service Heritage Chapel to mark National Service Day in 2007. The hand-made silk flag, with gold fringes, was the gift of the National Servicemen’s Branch of the Royal Australia Air Force Association and honours the 23,500 men called up for service in the RAAF between 1951 and 1957. The President of the National Servicemen’s Branch of the RAAF Association, Bob Cotter, carried the Ensign in escorted by four Cadets. After kneeling at the altar, Cotter presented the Ensign to the Association’s State Padre, Dr.Noel Wallis, who draped it on the new altar table, blessed just before the Service. The RAAF Association’s Chaplain, Father Paul Goodland, then blessed the Ensign. http://www.nashoqld.org.au/Wacol_Church_Service_2006.html

Left: Hanging in the "Australian Corner" of St Mary-le-Bow, Cheapside, London.
Centre: Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Amberley Catafalque Party present arms as the Air Force Ensign is lowered during the Air Force 88th anniversary celebrations held at Queen's Gardens, Brisbane city.
Right: At a 2007 Anzac Day parade in Brisbane

To celebrate the Royal Australian Air Force's (RAAF) 88th anniversary the RAAF Ensign was raised on the Canadian flag pole at Regatta point, Canberra. The Canadian Flagpole is located on the northern shore of Lake Burley Griffin at Regatta Point. It was given to Australia in 1955 by the Honourable C. D. Howe, Minister of Trade and Commerce, on behalf of the Government of Canada...The flagpole is from a single spar of Douglas Fir logged from a forest in the Canadian province of British Columbia...The flagpole is buried more than three metres underground and including this below-ground length, is a total of more than 39 metres in height. Each year on July 1, Canada’s national day, the Canadian flag can be seen flying from the flagpole. www.defence.gov.au

RAAF Car Pennant

Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF)

At the New Zealand National Council, 2006

Left: The New Zealand Flag and flags of the RNZN, RNZAF, the original banner of the New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ Association and the current Royal New Zealand Returned and Services' Association banner and the flags of Australia, Canada and Fiji are arraigned on stage by New Zealand Defence Force bearers and escorts.
Right: Corporal Chris Watty raises the Royal New Zealand Air Force ensign to commemorate its 71st anniversary.

Queen's Royal New Zealand Air Force Colour "The Queen's Colour is of RAF blue; it has a border in a motif of fern leaves, a fringe, cord and tassels of mixed red and gold silk. It bears the Royal Cypher surmounted by the St. Edward crown in the centre, in the canton the Union and in the second quarter the four main stars of the Southern Cross in gold. The staff is 2.45 metres (8 feet 1 inch) in length surmounted by a crown and lion."

Civil Air Ensigns of the Commonwealth

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Flag on left produced and sold by Flying Colours. The Civil Air Ensign is the flag that may be flown at airports in the United Kingdom and from landed British aircraft and was instituted by an Order-in-Council on 11 August 1931. The order stated that "An ensign called the Civil Air Ensign is the proper national colour to be flown by aircraft and air transport undertakings and at aerodromes."

Australian Civil Air Ensign

Flying at the RAF Hunsdon Memorial

New Zealand Civil Air Ensign
The New Zealand Civil Air Ensign may be flown on any New Zealand aircraft, licensed aerodrome, or place authorised as an aerodrome. Airlines owning New Zealand aircraft may fly the ensign upon or in proximity to their principal office or place of business.

http://www.mch.govt.nz/nzflag/other-flags.html

Fijian Civil Air Force