Australian Red Ensign

The Australian Red Ensign resulted from the 1901 Commonwealth Government Federal Flag Design Competition which required two entries: a flag for official use and one for the mecantile marine. The winning design was based on the traditional British Red Ensign and featured the Southern Cross and Commonwealth Star.

Devices

In 1903, the design of the Southern Cross constellation was altered from 5 stars with nine, eight, seven, six and five points respectively, to four stars with seven points and one with five points. The original variety of points was an indication of the relative brightness of each star as it appeared in the night sky.

In 1908, the current Commonwealth star of seven points replaced the earlier six-pointed star.

Maritime Ensign

Technically private non-commercial vessels were liable to a substantial fine if they did not fly the British Red Ensign. However, an Admiralty Warrant was issued on December 5, 1938 which authorised these vessels to fly the Australian Red Ensign. The Shipping Registration Act of 1981 reaffirmed that the Australian Red Ensign was the proper "colours" for Australian registered ships and that private pleasure craft could fly either the Red Ensign or the Australian National Flag.

History

From 1901 to 1954 the Red Ensign was used as a civil flag by State and local governments, private organisations and individuals. The Blue Ensign was reserved for use by the Commonwealth Government, the Australian Olympic team and the military as a saluting flag at all reviews and ceremonial parades. [ M.O.58 (1908) Attention is directed to Statutory Rule 27/08 published in M.O. 58/08. The Australian Ensign will accordingly be flown at all flag stations throughout the Commonwealth. M.O.135 (1911) It is directed that in future the Australian Flag is to be used as the saluting flag at all reviews and ceremonial parades. [http://www.australianflag.org.au/militaryorders.php Source: Australian Army Military Orders] ]

In 1941, Prime Minister Robert Menzies stated that there should be no restrictions on private citizens using the Blue Ensign on land and, in 1947, Prime Minister Ben Chifley reaffirmed this position but it wasn't until the passage of the Flags Act 1953 that the restriction on civilians flying the Blue Ensign was officially lifted after which use of the Red Ensign on land became a rarity.

References

External links

* [http://www.diggerhistory.info/pages-flags/red_ensign.htm Australia's forgotten flag: The Red Ensign]