MESSIS Posted February 2, 2020 Share #1 Posted February 2, 2020 (edited) I have the impression that, the flag on this magnificent painting of J.Cleveley the Elder, it may be not the one used at that time on Royal Caroline. The royal yacht could not have the civil navy ensign flag, since it belonged to the Royal Navy. I guess that the correct flag would have been the the White Ensign/St George's Ensign, of the Royal Navy. Is that so? Edited February 2, 2020 by MESSIS GrandpaPhil 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MESSIS Posted February 2, 2020 Author Share #2 Posted February 2, 2020 Thank you Dirk. I wasnt sure. The yacht there is before 1800.... is some 1750+. mtaylor 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue Ensign Posted February 2, 2020 Share #3 Posted February 2, 2020 At the time of the Royal Caroline the Red Ensign represented the senior squadron of the Royal Navy, so I would suggest that it is perfectly reasonable for this vessel to wear it. I doubt Cleveley was wrong. In order of seniority the Red Squadron was followed by the White Squadron and then the Blue. An Admiral of the Red was senior to an Admiral of the White, who in turn was senior to an Admiral of the Blue. ps Good choice of Ensign Spyglass 😉 B.E. paulsutcliffe, mtaylor, JerseyCity Frankie and 1 other 4 Quote Current Build: HMS Indefatigable-1794-by-blue-ensign-vanguard-models-164-scale Medway-longboat-1742-by-blue-ensign-½”-scale Completed builds: HMS Sphinx 1775 by Blue Ensign. 1:64 scale - Vanguard Models Queen-Anne-Royal-Barge-circa-1700-by-Blue-Ensign Fifie fishing boat Lady Eleanor Muirneag-1903-–-a-scottish-zulu-fishing-boat-164-scale-based-on-the-vanguard-models-zulu-kit/ HM Cutter Alert 1777 HM Cutter Cheerful 1806 18th-century-English-longboat-by-Blue-Ensign-ms-148-scale/ finished 18thc English Pinnace by Blue Ensign-Model-Shipways-1:24 scale/ finished HMS-Pegasus-by-Blue-Ensign-finished-Victory-Models-1:64-scale/ Heller Seventy-four 1:150 scale - modified Le Superbe/Le Glorieux kit after Boudriot, waterline setting with sails. The schooner Pickle, Jotika pob kit 1:64 scale, my interpretation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MESSIS Posted February 2, 2020 Author Share #4 Posted February 2, 2020 (edited) @Blue Ensign thank you. I had the impression that the red ensign is for merchant and passenger ships. At least this is the way it is today. But as you just said, then, back in the 18th century were all, white, red and blue ensign, Royal Navy ensign. Note that onboard of the R.Caroline was the royal family and the king him self. Christos Edited February 2, 2020 by MESSIS mtaylor 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beef Wellington Posted March 25, 2020 Share #5 Posted March 25, 2020 (edited) Just to expand on BEs comprehensive answer above, ships under Admiralty orders not under command of a squadron would use the red ensign. Seems most likely scenario here. Rounding this out with another interesting fact, in addition to certain Royal yacht clubs, Retired Royal Navy officers today also get to fly an undefaced blue ensign (upon application and approval) for a civil ship they are in charge of. Edited March 25, 2020 by Beef Wellington mtaylor 1 Quote Cheers, Jason "Which it will be ready when it is ready!" In the shipyard: HMS Jason (c.1794: Artois Class 38 gun frigate) Queen Anne Royal Barge (c.1700) Finished: HMS Snake (c.1797: Cruizer Class, ship rigged sloop) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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