MOST PEOPLE appear to think that the White Ensign has been the flag of the
Royal Navy from time immemorial, but it was not until July 1864 that the White
Ensign really became the flag of the RN.
For over 200 years previous to this date, the Royal Navy was divided into three
squadrons, which were designated by their respective squadrons, red, white and
blue. The red squadron ranked first, the white came next. Ships sometimes moved
from one squadron to another and it was necessary, therefore, that they should
carry three suits of colours to be able to hoist the correct ensign. The red
and blue ensigns were not easily recognizable in the smoke caused by battles
and could be mistaken, at times, for the flags of foreign ships.
For this reason, Nelson, Vice-Admiral of the White, at Trafalgar, ordered the
British Fleet to hoist the White Ensign, this being more easily distinguishable
from the French flag. Collingwood's squadron would normally have worn the Red
Ensign. Seniority difficulties regarding the admirals on the red, white and
blue lists caused difficulties, but an Order in Council on July 9, 1864, put an
end to the three flag system. The same Order in Council directed that the White
Ensign was to be hoisted at 8 o'clock from March 24 to September 20, and at 9
o'clock from September 21 to March 24 at home and 8 o'clock or 9 o'clock, as
the commander-in-chief directed, when abroad. Flags should fly until sunset,
when they were to be hauled down. The ceremonial hoisting of the ensign has
over the years altered a little.
Old-timers will recall how in barracks a guard and band were always paraded for
"Colours" but, now that bands are few and far between, this ceremony
is going by the board to a great extent, although, of course, hoisting is
always carried out with considerable respect. In Portsmouth Barracks, the
ensign is hoisted at 8.30 every morning of the year.
...from Navy News, newspaper of the Royal Navy and the Royal Naval Association. |