OTTAWA – The Royal Canadian Navy is getting a new ensign to fly at the masthead and at naval shore establishments.
The naval ensign, a white flag with the Canadian Maple Leaf flag in the top corner closest to the mast and a blue navy badge in the outer half, will now fly from the mast of warships at sea.
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The regular Maple Leaf flag will now be designated as the navy jack, which means it will fly from the ship’s bow when it is tied up at a dock or buoy.
Essentially, the change merely switches the positions of the two flags.
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Vice Admiral Paul Maddison, the head of the navy, says it is important to naval heritage, because warships have traditionally flown a special ensign to signify their status.
Canadian warships flew the white ensign of Britain’s Royal Navy from 1910 to 1965, when it was replaced by the then-new Maple Leaf.
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