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Bulgarian Military Flags (since 1990)

Last modified: 2009-05-24 by rob raeside
Keywords: lion | saltire | anchor | star (white) |
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The Order of the President nr. 234 of 24 July 1991 (D'rzhaven vestnik, br. 62, 2. VIII. 1991.) gives the new flags.
Željko Heimer, 25 January 2004

Naval Ensign

Ensign as seen in use

[Bulgarian naval ensign] image by Željko Heimer and Miles Li, 31 March 2009

The current naval ensign and masthead pennant of Bulgaria. I have first seen this version of the ensign on Wikipedia, which has been confirmed by photo evidence (see http://www.nato.int/multi/photos/2004/m040626b.htm).
Miles Li, 31 March 2009

Ensign as proposed in 1991 Order

[Bulgarian naval ensign] by Željko Heimer, 16 April 2001

Naval ensign of the Republic of Bulgaria (Voennomorski flag na Republika B'lgariya) is of size 90 x 60 cm, white over green over red, where the white stripe is 36 cm. wide, while both the green and the red are 12 cm. each. The dimensions of the stripes are therefore 4-1-1.
Željko Heimer, 16 April 2001

Naval Jack

[Bulgarian naval jack] by Željko Heimer

White flag with green saltire and over it a red cross throughout. Again, the influence of Russian naval practice is apparent, even if such a design could have come from other sources too. The jack was introduced after the 1990's changes, but if it is an entirely new one or reintroduction of some older pattern, I am not sure. Also, I am not sure when exactly it was introduced (possibly before the 1997 coat of arms decision). Based on my approximation of the album image, it seems that the width of the cross and saltire arms is 1/6 of the hoist. Incidentally, I believe it could be mathematically proven that if so, then the size of the green edges of the flag would be 1/10 of the flag hoist vertically near each corner, and 1/10 of flag length horizontally near each corner. Anyone care for the proof?
Željko Heimer, 16 April 2001

See also:

Auxiliary Vessels and Coast Guard Ensign

[Coast Guard Ensign] by Željko Heimer

Green flag with naval ensign in the canton. I believe that this is influenced by Russian (Soviet) green ensigns, however I don't remember similar flags in the socialist era. Did I miss something?

Željko Heimer, 16 April 2001

Commander in Chief of the Navy

[Commander in Chief of the Navy] by Željko Heimer

Red flag with the naval ensign in the canton, fimbriated from the red field with a white line and with three white anchors set one each in the remaining quarters of the red field.

Željko Heimer, 18 April 2001

Navy Chief of Staff

[Bulgarian naval jack] by Željko Heimer

Red flag with the canton equal to the Minister of Defence flag, fimbriated from the red field with a white line and with three white stars set one each in the remaining quarters of the red field. As I am expected to raise weird questions, I would like to know if it can be confirmed that the flag in the canton used on this flag is indeed the same as the Min-Def, and not the naval ensign that is apparently used in all other naval flags (the difference is, of course, in the wreath around the lion). If it is confirmed (I have no doubt it shall be so) it may be a good idea to point out this "irregularity" on FOTW. 

Željko Heimer, 18 April 2001

Naval Group Commander

[Naval Group Commander] by Željko Heimer

Red flag with the naval ensign in the canton, fimbriated from the red field with a white line and with two white stars set one each in the fly quarters.

Željko Heimer, 18 April 2001