RN flag positions

[Hector MackenzieParticipant @hectormackenzie31067]

Am I correct in saying the Union Jack was only flown from the forward jackstaff when the vessel was alongside or at anchor? As regards the White Ensign was there a reason as to why it was flown from the after mast or over the stern/?

Cheers…Hector MacKenzie

[Hector MackenzieParticipant @hectormackenzie31067]

[Paul TParticipant @pault84577]

Hello Hector

There is a great deal of confusion regarding the White Ensign but some time ago I had to research the subject for an M1 project.

To the best of my knowledge all Royal Navy ships and submarines fly the White Ensign from the Jackstaff when underway on the surface. The flag can be carried on a gaff or flown from the starboard yardarm when at sea.

When moored or alongside the White Ensign is flown from the stern and the Union Flag is flown from the bow.

I hope this helps but I strongly suggest that you carry out your own research to confirm my comments.

Paul

Usual disclaimers apply

[NoelParticipant @noel26080]

I was reading a fairly informative article on the RYA website recently about flag etiquette:

**LINK**

This explains the positioning of the flags.

The Admiralty Manual of Seamanship (1937, Vol 1) states re. the union jack that it's only hoisted when in harbour. At anchor you would hoist an ensign.

[ashley needhamParticipant @ashleyneedham69188]

Noel , you have been looking for your destroyer!

Don't forget the battle ensign, which was variously a Union flag or a White ensign depending on date.

Ashley

[NoelParticipant @noel26080]

From where would the battle ensign be flown?

[Colin BishopModerator @colinbishop34627]

Battle ensigns for the RN would be large white ensigns flown from the yardarms or mastheads (or both). A battleship might fly several of them.

Colin

[NoelParticipant @noel26080]

For reference:

[Hector MackenzieParticipant @hectormackenzie31067]

I appreciate your prompt comments and find them very helpful. Cheers Hector

[Francis MacnaughtonParticipant @francismacnaughton39461]

It no longer applies but when the Royal Yacht was in existence, the escorting warship was required to fly the Jack from the jackstaff even when underway.

[Reg Hale 1Participant @reghale1]

Hi Guys

Why do some Union flags have a wtite boarder when thay are flown ?

Reg

[Author]

Posts