Royal Air Force Ensign
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The Royal Air Force Ensign is the official flag which is used to represent the Royal Air Force.
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[edit] Early History and Authorisation
The Air Council wanted to introduce a flag which would be flown at RAF stations. However, the Admiralty had the right to veto the introduction of any new flag that was to be flown within the British Empire or on a British vessel. Although the Admiralty were initially opposed to granting the RAF its own flag, after considerable pressure from the Air Council, they reluctantly agreed to the introduction of such a flag, stating that the Air Force should adopt the Union Flag defaced with a suitable device. The Air Council did not welcome the Admiralty's condition as they wished to use the White Ensign with the St George's Cross removed. Whilst the War Office had no objections to this proposed design, the Admiralty certainly did and they rejected the Air Council's suggestion on the basis that the White Ensign was exclusively reserved for Royal Navy use.
The Air Council then submitted a design featuring a jack with a white border, but the Admiralty rejected this submission as it was the already in use as the signal to summon a ship's pilot. The Air Council then re-submitted the original design which, unsurprisingly, was rejected once again.
When the situation came to the attention of King George V, he suggested that the matter be referred to the Cabinet. Although papers were drafted, the question was never debated in Cabinet.
The dispute soon became more widely known and various designs were suggested by members of the public. Although none of these suggestions were accepted, the idea that the Roundel (which had been used by both the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Naval Air Service) might be adopted was viewed favourably by senior RAF commanders. Air Vice Marshal Sir John Salmond suggested that the Union Flag be placed in the canton in order that the design carry the mark of British authority. The Air Council subsequently agreed upon the design in use today as their preferred option. The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sir Hugh Trenchard, then brought the design before King George V who approved the design. The design was then sent to the Admiralty and it was accepted as an Ensign in December 1920. On March 24 1921, the King signed an Order in Council ratifying its use.
[edit] Use on Sea-going Craft
During the 1920s and 30s the RAF Ensign was worn by vessels belonging to the RAF's seaplane squadrons. From 1939 until 1986, the sea-going craft of the Air Sea Rescue Service and its successor organisation, the Maritime Section, also displayed the Ensign.
Although the previously mentioned Order in Council gave the RAF the authority to display the Ensign as they saw fit, the Admiralty maintained that the Order did not supersede the regulations of the Merchant Shipping Act. In 1947 Her Majesty's Customs and Excise took control of an RAF vessel on the basis that the RAF Ensign it displayed was illegal. After the incident, RAF vessels continued to display that Service's ensign.
[edit] Modern Usage
The RAF Ensign is flown from the flagstaff of every RAF station during daylight hours. Ordinarily, it is hoisted and hauled down by the station's duty NCO and saluted by the station's orderly officer. The Ensign may also be hoisted or hauled down during a parade.
As the professional head of the RAF, the Chief of the Air Staff may fly the RAF Ensign. Air Attachés and the Heads of RAF Missions may also fly the RAF Ensign.
[edit] Restrictions on Use
The RAF Ensign may not be carried on a parade, used as bunting or decoration, or draped over a coffin. In the latter case, only the Union Flag may be used at a British military funeral.
[edit] Other Air Force Ensigns
The following ensigns have been derived from the RAF Ensign:
- Royal Australian Air Force Ensign
- Royal Canadian Air Force Ensign
- Royal New Zealand Air Force Ensign
