- Some time ago, I created a web-site
to pay tribute to the men who fought in World War 1. In that site I
mentioned that many people used the red Australian flag, not the
blue one. That was because the 'Blue Ensign' was the federal flag
(Commonwealth Flag) and it's use by ordinary Australians was
discouraged; not illegal, but discouraged. The flag that was supposed
to be the Merchant Marine flag, the Australian Red Ensign, became a de-facto
Civil Flag.
- In the early 1950s the Government made the position
clear and the Australian National Flag had, for the first time ever,
a legislative backing and the seniority it deserves. Even the
Australian Government of 2002 admit
that.
- It can be easily argued that until
that happened the Union Flag of the UK (the Union Jack) was the
superior flag in Australia. You might not like that. I don't.
But.......I accept that that was the position at the time.
- As a result of my web site some
foul mouthed yobbo who claimed to have an association with the
Australian National Flag Association (it was later shown that he was
a discredited FORMER Office Bearer)
contacted me and accused me of trying to undermine the flag. When I contacted
the ANFA I got more foul language (at that stage the ANFA email
address was still being re-directed to the former Office Bearer).
- I am accused of working for
or supporting the mob
that want a new flag. So.......this page is to put the matter
straight.
I love, honour and
respect MY flag and do not want any change.
But I also recognise that the
Australian Red Ensign was and is an important
part of our history and deserves it's full recognition.
- We do not need stupid claims that
somehow acknowledging
that the Red Ensign played an important part in our recent history will
in some way destroy our way of life. It was used. It was respected. It
still should be.
- In an effort to show that the AIF in 2
World Wars used the Red Ensign as well as the Blue Ensign I have
gathered a few photos.
- Please remember that I make NO CLAIM that the
Red Ensign was the only flag used, merely that IT WAS USED EXTENSIVELY.
Even, as you will see, by the
ATTORNEY GENERAL of the day.
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