BRITISH NATIONAL FLAGS.

Westport Times, Volume V, Issue 776, 14 February 1871, Page 3

BRITISH NATIONAL FLAGS.

The 'Union Jack is the national flag ; in its first form it was adopted -upon the union of Great Britain and Ireland ; and is carried only in the army and navy. Merchant ships are, however, in the habit of carrying what is called a Jack, but it has a white border all round to distinguish it from the Royal Jack. The Jack is formed by the union of the national emblems of the three kingdoms of England, Scotland, •and Ireland, ~viz., the crosses of St. George, St. Andrew, and St. Patrick. The other flags are all particular flags, •devoted to special purposes. The Royal Standard is properly the banner of the Royal 'Family ; it is hoisted usually only where the Sovereign is residing, but on State occasions on other royal residences. It is never hoisted half-mast high but upon a death in the Royal Family, the death of a subject to whom Parliament has decreed a State funeral, as upon the death of the late Duke of Wellington, or noon the death of a sovereign of a friendly State. It is the highest flag in the navy and army. The White Ensign is now appropriated to the Royal Navy, and some yachts ; the Blue Ensign to the Naval Reserve and to merchant ships commanded by officers ■of the Naval Reserve, and to some yachts j and the Red Ensign to the merchant navy. There are a host of other official flags of less general use—as those of Port Officers, Customs, Governors, Pilot Boards, &c, with -Admiral's and Commodore's pennants.