
Last modified: 2025-03-22 by shreyas tallamraju
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![[Flag of the Minister of Defence]](../images/n/no_mod.gif) image by Zoltan Horvath, 11 August 2024
image by Zoltan Horvath, 11 August 2024 
The minister's flag has a white lion, while the one of the chief of defence 
is yellow. Both are mainly used on cars. Other command/rank flags have batons, 
stars or emblems added to the canton.
Jan Oskar Engene, 26 March 1996
State flag defaced with white lion with axe in canton. The design if that of the 
modern coat of arms artistic redention, and not that  as used on royal standards 
which is of 1905 design. However, an analog flag  (for MoD) was used already 
before 1905, so possibly there was one such  white lion flag with 1905 lion 
design, too? Or was the MoD flag abandoned in 1905, and reintroduced 
(with appropriate modifications) only latter on, when  already new design 
was in use (that 1937, right?).
Željko Heimer, 9 July 2002
Ralf Hartemink's website shows a better image of the current arms plus an  
excellent one of the 1905-1937 one  here.
Santiago Dotor, 9 July 2002
The MoD flag continued to exist after 1905 with the lion moved from lower  
hoist corner to upper hoist corner where it has remained since though the  
lion design has changed - as you note.
Jan Oskar Engene, 9 July 2002
The state flag with the herring salat in the canton defaced with white lion 
with the axe from the coat of arms in the lower hoist corner.
Željko Heimer, 17 July 2002
![[Flag of the Chief of Defence]](../images/n/no^chod.gif) image by Zoltan Horvath, 11 August 2024
 
image by Zoltan Horvath, 11 August 2024 
The flag is a standard Norwegian tounged flag with a yellow lion 
rampant holding an axe, in upper hoist square.
Željko Heimer, 26 March 1996
State flag defaced with yellow lion with axe in canton. Regarding the 
dating of this flag, Jan Oskar Engene mentions it found in 1965 source, 
so  it must have been adopted between in 1937 and 1965. Possibly the position  
was also formed in the same time. Waht's this possition anyway - is that the 
head of the joint chiefs of staff,  that would be the highest military authority 
(beside the king, of course).  What's the original norwegian title? Then would 
the general inspectors be the  chiefs of their respective services...
Željko Heimer, 9 July 2002
According to my encyclopedia, the position was first established during the  
 war of 1940, then reestablished in 1942. The position was abolished in  1946, 
 probably because Crown Prince Olav was appointed Chief of Defence in  exile in 
 1944 and upon liberation and the return of the royal family, the  crown princes 
 involvement in political and operational military matters was  no longer appropriate. 
 Then in 1963 the position was established once  again. My guess is that the CoD's 
 flag dates from about 1963, though I have  no sources to support this. 
 He is the joint chief of staff. The title is Forsvarssjefen.
Jan Oskar Engene, 17 July 2002
The Chief of Defence (Forsvarssjefen) is the highest-ranking officer of the 
Norwegian Armed Forces, second only to the King of Norway. Even though he holds 
the same rank as the King of Norway, according to the Norwegian Constitution the 
King holds the highest command of the Army, Air Force, Navy and Home Guard.
The Chief of Defence is the top advisor to the Government regarding military 
issues. He is responsible for carrying out the mission the King or Minister of 
Defence gives to the Military. He is also Norway's representative to NATO's 
military committee.
The Chief of Defence reports to Minister of Defence.
Zoltan Horvath, 11 August 2024
Flag of Defence Staff is bright red with three emerging yellow swords.
 Zoltan Horvath, 11 August 2024