Simple question for you old saltz

[martinwoolwich]

My daughter (12) has got to complete her general knowledge test before returning to school.

One question has me stumped although I'm sure I know the answer - Please help......

"What is indicated when a ship is flying the Blue Peter?"

Thnak you in advance (on behalf of Olivia)

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[StugeronSteve]

My vessel is about to put to sea, or is it look out Anthea' about!
Good look with the quiz Olivia.
Steve


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[Guest]

Correct ... about to put to sea,

all persons repair on board.

<hr width=100% size=1>Nigel ...
Bilge Keelers get up further ! I only came - cos they said there was FREE Guinness !

 

[Dominic]

When flown at the fore (or is it main ? ) mast - in harbour

it means "Everyone back on board fast - we are going to sea."

I think it has another meaning if flown when at sea.

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[StugeronSteve]

On a fishing boat I think it means my nets are foul, or at least not too pleasant.

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[MrG]

In addition to those above, if the 'Blue Peter' is flown while at sea it means your lights are out or burning badly. although how you see the flag in the dark isn't mentioned...

Mark

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[l'escargot]

"Blue Peter
The common nautical name for flag P - blue with white central square - worn by merchant ships (not R.N. ships) when about to leave port, warning all persons concerned to get on board without delay. (It was in fact hoisted in H.M.S. LONDON in May, 1931, when that ship unexpectedly received orders to sail home from Madeira when many libertymen were on shore leave.)

Possible reasons which have been put forward for this name are
(1) Corruption of "Blue Pierced" - description of the flag;
(2) Corruption of "Blue Repeater" - the signal was repeated by all ships under sailing orders when this signal was used in the Navy in Nelsonic days;
(3) Naval allusion to Admiral Sir Peter Parker, C.in C. Portsmouth, who gave sailing orders for convoys assembled at St. Helens;
(4) Anglicisation of the French word Partir;
(5) Naval allusion to bringing one's baggage with one, as "Peter" is said to have been the name of an old-style travelling bag."


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[Mirelle]

Whew!

A fount of information. I will plump for (3), "partir". It somehow seems to make the most sense.

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[Twister_Ken]

Water too cold for swimming. nm

`

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