Last modified: 2016-06-04 by rob raeside
Keywords: royal navy | invincible |
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A question was asked about what flags would have been flown by the Royal Navy battle-cruiser HMS Invincible in WW1
The flag/ensign flown in addition to the White Ensign was either a Red
Ensign, or a Union Jack. It was one or the other, at different times. At first
the additional ensign was Blue (Grand Fleet Order No. 122 of 2 September 1914),
but four days later was changed to a Union Jack (Grand Fleet Order No. 142), and
confirmed by Interim Order No. 62 of 14 September 1914 (C.M.O. 45/1914).
“In
view of the dangerous similarity between the White Ensign and the German Naval
Ensign the following is to be carried our during the present War. All H.M. ships
and vessels when at sea are to fly, in addition to the White Ensign at the
Ensign Staff or its equivalent, at least one Union Flag in a conspicuous
position on or near the foremast or only mast, using stays, rigging, or other
projections which may be convenient.”
16 November 1914 the Admiralty
cancelled C.M.O. 45/1914 and reissued the order verbatim, except that Red Ensign
was substituted for Union Flag. (Interim Order S. 55). This was re-issued as
Admiralty Interim Order S. 266/1915.
“In view of the dangerous similarity
between the White Ensign and the German Naval Ensign the following is to be
carried our during the present War. All H.M. ships and vessels when at sea are
to fly a Red Ensign in addition to the White Ensign.”
On 11 January 1916
Admiralty cancelled S.266/1915 by the issue of Admiralty Interim Order S.
13/1916. In lieu of "All H.M. ships and vessels when at sea are to fly a Red
Ensign in addition to the White Ensign", the following was substituted:
"On
sighting a Man of War, or when in action, a Union Flag, in addition to the White
Ensign is to be worn.
David Prothero, 23 February 2016
See also:
