Historical facts: The British Flag

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3 Dec 2004, 09:49

I learned today something most of you already know regarding the Union Jack (somebody mentionned that wasn't the name of the flag, but everywhere I look, that's how it's called!).

The Union Jack is a flag formed of the flag of England, the flag of Scotland and the former flag of Ireland (which is, I guess, the actual flag of Northern Ireland and is the Saint-Patrick's cross), as shown here:

That was HISTORICAL FACTS with Seb for today... Have a nice day, and drive safely!

3 Dec 2004, 16:13

Its the flag of the UK, not Britain... are you aware of the difference?

Its actually called the Union Flag - 'The national flag of the United Kingdom is worn as a Jack at the bow by all HM ships in commission when alongside or when 'dressed overall'. This is the only occasion when it is correctly called the Union Jack, although it is generally known by this name through common usage. It is also flown during Courts Martial and is the Distinguishing Flag of an Admiral of the Fleet.'

and another point - it is possible to hang the union flag up the wrong way! I only learnt this earlier on this year. your image is right, the x is slightly offset vertically, so on the top left quadrant, the white part at the top is thicker than underneath the red line. if you get your flag up the wrong way, a thinner white bit is at the top.

so concluded MY lesson for the evening

3 Dec 2004, 18:14

Thanks for the input.

It's true that I should have said it was the flag of the United Kingdom, and not Great Britain.

You were asking if I knew the difference -- as a matter of fact, I think I do but I'm not 100% sure.

I always was under the impression that Great Britain was the union of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. As for the United Kingdom, it includes Great Britain and its foreign possessions (former possessions like Canada, Australia, Jamaica, etc.... and of course, for today, only the current possessions. Small islands I guess!).

So am I wrong on this? :scratch:

I think I also read somewhere that the red "X" on the Union Flag was meant to symbolize the extension of the empire throughout the world (the blue intended as water, depicting oceans).

Whatever... :shrug:

3 Dec 2004, 19:30

slightly off there

Great Britain is England, Wales, Scotland, i.e. the big main islandy bit.

UK = United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

one thing i've never worked out is why like the olympics we see GBR (i.e great britain) with the Union Flag... do NI atheletes come under something different? (i dont watch much sport so i couldnt say)

4 Dec 2004, 02:17

No, NI athletes compete for GB, Mary Peters for example.