Last modified: 2012-01-21 by rob raeside
Keywords: board of ordnance | military authorities afloat | er | gr | vr |
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This flag is from BR20 Vol II, Commonwealth of Australia page 18 original,
as "Flag, Marine, General Officers".
David Prothero, 22 September 2004
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
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