white ensign
Quick Summary
The white ensign is the naval flag of the Royal Navy and the Royal Yacht Squadron. It features a red St. George's cross quartered on a white background, with the Union Jack in the upper corner near the staff. Historically, different colored ensigns (red, white, or blue) indicated a ship's squadron. Since 1864, the white ensign has been reserved for the Royal Navy and the Royal Yacht Squadron. Other British vessels, like merchant ships with a specific percentage of Royal Naval Reserve personnel, may fly the blue ensign. The Union Jack itself is a combination of the crosses of St. George (England), St. Andrew (Scotland), and St. Patrick (Ireland).123
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