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Board of Ordnance: Military Authorities Afloat (Britain)

Military Authorities Afloat

Flags used during reign of Elizabeth II, 1952-

by Martin Grieve

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by Martin Grieve

This flag is from BR20 Vol II, Commonwealth of Australia page 18 original, as "Flag, Marine, General Officers".
David Prothero, 22 September 2004

by Martin Grieve

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by Martin Grieve

Flag during reign of George VI, 1936-1952

by Martin Grieve

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by Martin Grieve

In 1869 when defaced Union Jacks were introduced for Diplomats and Colonial Governors, a flag of similar style was specified for Military Authorities when embarked in boats and other vessels. "The Union Jack to be displayed by the Military Branch of Your Majesty's Service on such occasions shall bear in the centre thereof, as a distinguishing mark, the Royal Initials surrounded by a Garland on a Blue Shield, and surmounted by the Crown."
Order in Council 7th August 1869.

The precise lowest rank entitled to this flag was not specified, other than General Officer Commanding, which I understand would normally be no lower rank than general (referring to a general, lieutenant general or major general). The initials changed at the beginning of the reign of each monarch. The flags used 1869-1901 Queen Victoria, 1901-1910 King Edward VII, and 1910-1936 King George V are not illustrated.
David Prothero, 22 September 2004

Flag during the reign of King George V. 1910-1936

by Martin Grieve

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by Martin Grieve

Flag during the reign of King Edward VII. 1901-1910

by Martin Grieve

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by Martin Grieve

Flag during the reign of Queen Victoria. 1869-1901

by Martin Grieve

The proportions of this flag, used during the reign of Queen Victoria, may not be correct. The image is based on an entry in the Colonial Office Record Book, CO 325/54, in which it had been mistakenly entered as the flag of the Governor of Queensland. Theoretically, even if it had been the governor's flag, it should not have been square, which suggests that it was copied as it was, and not altered from 1:2 to 1:1.
David Prothero, 30 November 2004