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Reflection in calm water of yachts British red ensign

Reflection in calm water of  British yacht’s Red Ensign

The Red Ensign also referred to as Red Duster is the flag flown by British merchant ships and privately owned vessels.

“Where are you from?” Sailing abroad in the family boat, this is a question we’re often asked as passers-by puzzle over the the Red Ensign flying from her stern.  It doesn’t help that she’s a traditional wooden Swedish boat and very Scandinavian to the eye, but that apart, the Red Duster dislaying the union flag in the top left corner doesn’t always shout out British and we’re sometimes flatteringly taken for Australians or New Zealanders who have sailed a long way.

The origins of the Red Ensign go back to the 17th century when a Royal proclamation confirmed it to be the suitable flag for the country’s merchant ships to carry – at that time (pre the union of England and Scotland ) with the white cross of St. George  in the canton.  It was also flown by the Red Admiral of the  British Navy whose fleet were divided into Red, Blue and White squadrons, each with ensigns of appropriate colour to match – the white Admiral’s ensign carried a red cross to prevent any confusion with the all white French Ensign.  Nelson, as Vice Admiral of the white squadron, fought the battle of Trafalgar in 1805 under the White Ensign.  Reorganization of the navy in 1864 lead to some rebranding with the navy adopting the White Ensign, the Blue Ensign being used for non-military government ships and the Red Ensign reverting to use on British merchant ships. So there it is – a quick history of the Red Ensign.

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