
Last modified: 2016-06-04 by rob raeside
Keywords: royal navy | invincible | 
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A question was asked about what flags would have been flown by the Royal Navy battle-cruiser HMS Invincible in WW1
The flag/ensign flown in addition to the White Ensign was either a Red 
Ensign, or a Union Jack. It was one or the other, at different times. At first 
the additional ensign was Blue (Grand Fleet Order No. 122 of 2 September 1914), 
but four days later was changed to a Union Jack (Grand Fleet Order No. 142), and 
confirmed by Interim Order No. 62 of 14 September 1914 (C.M.O. 45/1914).
“In 
view of the dangerous similarity between the White Ensign and the German Naval 
Ensign the following is to be carried our during the present War. All H.M. ships 
and vessels when at sea are to fly, in addition to the White Ensign at the 
Ensign Staff or its equivalent, at least one Union Flag in a conspicuous 
position on or near the foremast or only mast, using stays, rigging, or other 
projections which may be convenient.”
16 November 1914 the Admiralty 
cancelled C.M.O. 45/1914 and reissued the order verbatim, except that Red Ensign 
was substituted for Union Flag. (Interim Order S. 55). This was re-issued as 
Admiralty Interim Order S. 266/1915.
“In view of the dangerous similarity 
between the White Ensign and the German Naval Ensign the following is to be 
carried our during the present War. All H.M. ships and vessels when at sea are 
to fly a Red Ensign in addition to the White Ensign.”
On 11 January 1916 
Admiralty cancelled S.266/1915 by the issue of Admiralty Interim Order S. 
13/1916. In lieu of "All H.M. ships and vessels when at sea are to fly a Red 
Ensign in addition to the White Ensign", the following was substituted:
"On 
sighting a Man of War, or when in action, a Union Flag, in addition to the White 
Ensign is to be worn.
David Prothero, 23 February 2016
See also: