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The White Ensign
 MOST PEOPLE appear to think that the White Ensign has been the flag of the Royal Navy from time immemorial, but it was not until July 1864 that the White Ensign really became the flag of the RN.
For over 200 years previous to this date, the Royal Navy was divided into three squadrons, which were designated by their respective squadrons, red, white and blue. The red squadron ranked first, the white came next. Ships sometimes moved from one squadron to another and it was necessary, therefore, that they should carry three suits of colours to be able to hoist the correct ensign. The red and blue ensigns were not easily recognizable in the smoke caused by battles and could be mistaken, at times, for the flags of foreign ships.
For this reason, Nelson, Vice-Admiral of the White, at Trafalgar, ordered the British Fleet to hoist the White Ensign, this being more easily distinguishable from the French flag. Collingwood's squadron would normally have worn the Red Ensign. Seniority difficulties regarding the admirals on the red, white and blue lists caused difficulties, but an Order in Council on July 9, 1864, put an end to the three flag system. The same Order in Council directed that the White Ensign was to be hoisted at 8 o'clock from March 24 to September 20, and at 9 o'clock from September 21 to March 24 at home and 8 o'clock or 9 o'clock, as the commander-in-chief directed, when abroad. Flags should fly until sunset, when they were to be hauled down. The ceremonial hoisting of the ensign has over the years altered a little.
Old-timers will recall how in barracks a guard and band were always paraded for "Colours" but, now that bands are few and far between, this ceremony is going by the board to a great extent, although, of course, hoisting is always carried out with considerable respect. In Portsmouth Barracks, the ensign is hoisted at 8.30 every morning of the year.
Measurements |
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A fathom is 6 feet, the length of rope a man can extend from open arm to open arm. The rope was lowered into the sea to measure depth.
A cable length is the length of a ship's cable, about 600 feet.
A nautical mile is 10 cable lengths, or 6,076 feet.
1 nautical mile = 1.1515 miles
A knot is the measure of speed on water. One knot is 1 nautical mile per hour.
A nautical mile is 6,076 feet.
Port and Starboard
Starboard for the right-hand side of the boat,
Port for the left-hand side of the boat. |
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Red and Green Lights
After dark a red light is carried on the port side and a green light on the starboard side of all vessels in motion. If you can remember that port wine is red, and that the port light is of the same color, you will always be able to tell in which direction an approaching craft is pointing by the relative location of the lights.
When both lights you see ahead,
Port your helm and show your red!
Green to green and red to red,
You're all right, and go ahead!
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