Ensign
An
ensign is a distinguishing token, emblem, badge, or
flag such as a symbol of office. The word is derived from the
French enseigne from the
Latin plural
insignia and is more particularly used of a military or naval standard or banner. An
armorial ensign applies specifically to heraldic symbols of an army.
In nautical use, an ensign in the form of a flag is usually flown at the
stern of a ship or boat to indicate its nationality. Ensigns may also be flown from the
gaff of a ship, and may be shifted to the
yardarm when the ship is underway, where it is known as a
steaming ensign.
|
The Red Ensign, as currently used for British merchant and pleasure vessels. |
In some countries, such as
France and the
United States of America, the national ensign is identical to the
national flag, while in others, such as the
United Kingdom and
Japan, there are special national flags for maritime use. Some countries also have a distinguishing
naval ensign for military use, and others for civil use.
In
heraldry, an ensign is the ornament or sign, such as the crown, coronet or mitre, borne above the charge or arms.
In many modern militaries, a "
standard" refers to a type of ensign placed on a vehicle to indicate the rank of the occupant. This may be in the form of a decal on a windshield (such as the blue decals used to mark officers' cars in the United States armed forces), a license plate depicting an officer's rank insignia, or a small flag mounted on the hood or fender. These are the "standards" referred to in the
10th General Order for Sentries and a salute is required from subordinates when the flags or placards are displayed ("not cased").
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American ensign*
British ensigns*
Civil ensign*
Gallery of maritime flags*
Insignia*
Maritime flags*
Naval ensign
