LONG_KEELER
Well-Known Member
Is the true ?
As I understand it, all you need to do is join a particular club or organisation.
Perhaps you could explain.
Ensigns/flags
- Thread starter robertj
- Start date
Is the true ?
As I understand it, all you need to do is join a particular club or organisation.
Perhaps you could explain.
Flashy
Active Member
He's probably ex-RN.
What about the difference between defaced and undefaced blues and reds? Suddenly we need loads more Ronnies.
LONG_KEELER
Well-Known Member
I assume, if you join the navy, you can fly a Blue Ensign without having to join a particular sailing club or other organisation.
Scillypete
Well-Known Member
If you are in the Royal Navy or have served you can be a member of the RNSA ( http://www.rnsa.net/ ) and as a member and boat owner if you meet certain criteria you can then choose to fly a blue ensign if you wish but a permit will be needed.
chinita
Well-Known Member
Better ask the RYA, this is what they say:
'Flag etiquette is a combination of law, good manners and tradition. Being ill-informed of your obligations could lead you to cause insult at home or abroad by giving a signal you do not intend to give, or could lead you to a fine for breaking the law.'
Appledore
Well-Known Member
"I am often astounded by the passion such inanimate can things generate and this one is near the top of the list."
It's not really a question of 'passion', but I think, of respect! Most folk who wear defaced blue ensigns will have served in the Armed Forces, and therefore be members of the particular Sailing Association. I have a blue defaced ensign, and served in the Army (most of my adult life).
Service personnel in particular have respect for their Regimental Colours, and so on, and they have a 'real meaning'. Certainly to me they did and still do, such as the British Legion honouring our dead war heroes.
It's not a passion, but it is a privilege to be allowed (authorised by Royal Warrant) to fly such an ensign.
Just my own thoughts.
It's not really a question of 'passion', but I think, of respect! Most folk who wear defaced blue ensigns will have served in the Armed Forces, and therefore be members of the particular Sailing Association. I have a blue defaced ensign, and served in the Army (most of my adult life).
Service personnel in particular have respect for their Regimental Colours, and so on, and they have a 'real meaning'. Certainly to me they did and still do, such as the British Legion honouring our dead war heroes.
It's not a passion, but it is a privilege to be allowed (authorised by Royal Warrant) to fly such an ensign.
Just my own thoughts.
chinita
Well-Known Member
I assume he means that he is a member of a club or organisation (possibly military) which is only open to those who qualify.
He would therefore be justified in saying he earned the privilege.
Of course, the easiest option is to join the CA. Pay your dues and get your blues.
chinita
Well-Known Member
And mine.
Flashy
Active Member
It was my understanding that you could apply to fly one in your own right if you are an officer, active or retired, in the RN or reserves of any Commonwealth country, of Lieutenant or higher. Captain for Royal Marines (think that's the equivalent rank). You need to apply for a warrant still, just no YC is involved.
Fascinating stuff, you'll all agree!
Edit: by 'Commonwealth' I meant the countries where the Queen is still head of state.
Easticks28
Well-Known Member
Precisely the attitude which is SO objectionable!
chinita
Well-Known Member
That is true. And all the officers went to Eton and bought their commissions and don't do any work or pay any tax and get everything they want for free.
Resolution
Well-Known Member
Just what is objectionable about someone earning a reward by their own efforts?
Especially a reward which clearly has value to them but negligible cost to the rest of us?
Can you explain yourself?
LONG_KEELER
Well-Known Member
I'm afraid still lost.
What is the 'earning a reward by their own efforts' actually mean.
Could you please describe the specific 'efforts' that lead to the award of being able to fly a Blue Ensign. So far, either you join a particular club open to all, or you are, or were, a member of the armed forces.
If I did National Service in the Army but never left the UK do I still qualify ?
chinita
Well-Known Member
Sorry to disappoint but, yes, you do. All you need is your Army Number.
Fill in the form:
http://www.sailarmy.co.uk/asa/pdf/asa_membership_form.pdf
....and you can apply for a defaced blue ensign permit and joint the elite, like the rest of us.
You have earned the privilege.
Flashy
Active Member
Of course, back in the Napoleonic era when that was more often the way of things, the only people sailing under blue ensigns were the officers and crews of the RN's Blue Squadron. Nice link with history.
Interestingly, I was reading that countries' ensigns are sometimes based on that of the RN squadron protecting the region. So while the White patrolled home waters, the Red (see Canadian pre-1965 and Bermudan flags) patrolled the Atlantic and the Blue (see Australia and New Zealand flags) patrolled SE Asia. Don't know how true it is exactly, but good story.
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maxi77
Well-Known Member
It's amazing how predjudice can mislead you
robertj
Well-Known Member
Do you know the criteria?
My thoughts are if your services or ex service then blue is your colour but every one else like me is red?!
Flashy
Active Member
Not sure I understand your post. A prejudiced reading of the Navy List regulations?
mihtjel
Well-Known Member
Just to elaborate when it comes to Danish flags:
Danish-owned yachts that are used for leisure only (ie. no commercial activity, no hiring etc.) are allowed to wear the naval ensign with the letters "YF" (for Yacht Flag) in the upper corner. This flag has swallow-tails, and looks quite lovely.
Members of the Royal Danish Yacht Club can wear the same flag, under the same conditions, but with an additional three golden stars. Such as this: http://www.lystsejlads.dk/effekter/images/513-232-sub.jpg
I've never actually seen anyone use that flag, though I have seen a few ships with a crown and three stars on the transom, denoting membership of said club. There might be a slight bit of snobbery associated with this.
Some rowing clubs etc. also have special ensigns, and they tend to wear those on their boats. No snobbery seems to be associated with this use.
reginaldon
Well-Known Member
With you all the way, I had two uncles that served in the MN from WW1 to WW2, including a Russian Arctic convoy and two invasion fleets, I also had a cousin who was torpedoed twice on his first voyage out of Middlesbrough - he also survived to later join the RN.
Heroes all, without medals and whose pay stopped from the day their ship was sunk!
I did serve in the RN during National Service - but I'll stay with the Red Duster.
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