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Flags Of The RN |
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Colours Of The Fleet |
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Despite the increasing sophistication of technology in the Royal Navy the traditions surrounding 'The Colours Of The Fleet' are still maintained. The importance of representing the nation and the Sovereign in our maritime organisations is as great as it ever was, and flags provide botht the traditional and most obvious way of doing this. |
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Flags have always had an important part to play at sea: for passing messages, for identifying other vessels or the people carried in them, for warning of danger and many other purposes. Todays flags provide a very useful means of identification and the traditional ceremonial surrounding Naval flags remains firmly part of service life. |
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THE WHITE ENSIGN - This is worn by all HM Ships in commission and by shore establishments. Some Civilian authorities with Naval connections have been granted permission to use it in special circumstances. Before 1864 the Fleet comprised 3 Squadrons using the Red, White and Blue Ensigns respectively. The present design rates from 1801. |
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THE QUEEN'S COLOURS - The 6 principle Commands of the Navy hold a Queen's Colour. They are paraded on important ceremonial occassions and afforded the highest degree of respect. When new Colour is presented by the Sovereign - every 25 years - the old one is laid up in a Naval chuch. |
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THE UNION FLAG - The National flag of the United Kingdom is worn as a Jack at the bow of all HM ships in commission when alongside or when "dressed overall". This is the only occassion when it is correctly called the Union Jack, although it is generally known by this name through common usage. It is also flown during Courts Martial and is the Distinguishing Flag of an Admiral Of The Fleet. |
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THE QUEEN'S COLOUR ROYAL MARINE COMMANDOS - Each of the 3 Commandos (40, 42 and 45) has a Queen's Colour in addition to it's Regimental Colour. Each is identical except for the cords and tassels which are interwoven with silk in the colour of the particular Commando's lanyard. |
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THE RED ENSIGN - Worn by all British registered merchant ships and civil craft. Merchant ships under charter to the Navy normally continue to use the Red Ensign. Some defaced Red Ensigns have been granted to yacht clubs by Admiralty Warrant. |
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