British Red Ensign

flag

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 16, 2026

Quick Summary

The British Red Ensign is a flag with a red field, featuring the Union Jack in the upper corner near the staff. It is flown by British merchant ships. This flag is a variation of the Union Jack, which is the primary flag representing the United Kingdom.123

Historically, different colored ensigns (red, white, or blue) were used by the Royal Navy to denote squadrons. Currently, the white ensign is reserved for the Royal Navy and the Royal Yacht Squadron, while the blue ensign is used by certain government vessels and merchant ships with a specific Royal Naval reserve crew percentage. The Red Ensign, when defaced with a specific badge or arms, can also serve as a flag for certain territories, such as Bermuda.24

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

4 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

flag of British Virgin Islands
The undefaced Red Ensign is proper for locally registered vessels and as a courtesy flag, although in practice a version defaced with the BVI coat of arms is used.
Read More
The undefaced Red Ensign is proper for locally registered vessels and as a courtesy flag, although in practice a version defaced with the BVI coat of arms is used.
Read More

flag of Cayman Islands
In addition, the British Red Ensign with badge affixed was for years flown unauthorized on private vessels and as the Cayman courtesy flag. The usage of both ensigns was legalized in 1988.
Read More
In addition, the British Red Ensign with badge affixed was for years flown unauthorized on private vessels and as the Cayman courtesy flag. The usage of both ensigns was legalized in 1988.
Read More

flag of Palestine Liberation Organization
…in use that utilized the British Red Ensign defaced with a white disk on which was inscribed “Palestine.” This flag, along with the Union Jack (the mandate’s official flag) and a similarly defaced British Blue Ensign, were flown until 1948.
Read More
…in use that utilized the British Red Ensign defaced with a white disk on which was inscribed “Palestine.” This flag, along with the Union Jack (the mandate’s official flag) and a similarly defaced British Blue Ensign, were flown until 1948.
Read More