The Red Ensign, the flag flown from civilian and Naval vessels.
The Red Ensign is an official naval ensign, as well as the official civilian ensign of the British Empire. It is the flag flown by British merchant or passenger ships and on Royal Navy vessels that are part of the Red Squadron. The Union Jack occupies one quarter of the field and is placed in the canton.
History[]
Background[]
After the Acts of Union, the Royal Scots Navy was integrated into the Royal Navy. The Union Jack was inserted on all ensigns, naval and mercantile. The Red Ensign was recognized as the official legal ensign of Great Britain, the others are variations for tactical purpose. This Red Ensign was proclaimed by Queen Anne to be used by both merchant and naval ships.
Season One[]
Parrish’s Ship and the Andromache both fly the Red Ensign.
Season Two[]
The Good Fortune flies the Red Ensign, but they strike their colors when confronted by the pirate vessel, the Fancy.
Season Three[]
While sailing back to Nassau from Carolina, the Walrus is ambushed by the Orion, a British privateer.
Woodes Rogers’ First Fleet included three Royal Navy ships, which flew the Red Ensign, indicating that they were part of the Red Squadron. The civilian vessels also fly the Ensign.
At the Battle of the Maroon Island, the Pirate Fleet arrives flying British colors, pretending to be reinforcements for Rogers' forces. However, they raise the Black when signalled for their fleet identification, thus beginning the sea battle.
Season Four[]
The Pirate Fleet sails into Nassau Harbor flying the Red Ensign, hoping to deceive Woodes Rogers. However, they raise the Black once they move into attack positions. They are defeated after running aground on scuttled hulks and cornered by cannon fire from Fort Nassau and Woodes Rogers' Second Fleet, which flies the Red Ensign.
After Rogers successfully takes the Revenge from Edward Teach, he begins flying the Red Ensign and his own banner. He strikes his colors and raises the White Flag when he arrives in Havana.
Rogers flies the Red Ensign and his own banner from his new flagship, the Eurydice.