A moth-eaten rag on a worm-eaten pole
It does not look likely to stir a man's soul,
'Tis the deeds that were done 'neath the moth-eaten rag,
When the pole was a staff, and the rag was a flag.
Sir Edward B. Hamley
But how does the sight of a mouldering flag hanging forlornly in the
corner of a classroom stir the souls of students separated from such
deeds by time, geography, culture, and language? I teach history in an
international school in China’s capital; most of the students are Asian,
foreign nationals, and learning in English as a second language. I
focus on ensuring my students feel history and not just to articulate
it—a key means is through flags.
The most immediate use of flags
is as an ensemble; the veritable onslaught of colour in my classroom
creates an immediate reaction from students (and parents!). The back
wall is a riot of red, made up of communist flags from all over. Red is
such a powerful symbol—no matter the weather or environment, it sticks
out. Blowing in the wind on a pole outside the class, the country’s flag
reminds students of what it had to overcome, what it has achieved, and
what it stands for.
Some flags illustrate specific points in
lessons. The junks in the badge of the old colonial flag of Hong Kong,
with the Chinese dragon losing the Pearl of the Orient to the British
lion, recall the “national humiliation” that saw the first of the
unequal treaties signed at Nanking in 1842. The bright red maple leaf is
used to explain to students the legacy the Battle of Vimy Ridge
continues to exert on Canadians. The dozens of ensigns that once
represented the nations of the British Empire but today are long
forgotten, suggest the vagaries of time and human ambition, whilst the
hammers and sickles throughout illustrate the idea of communities over
countries. And yet if studying history is little more than reflecting on
“the register of crimes, follies, and misfortunes of mankind”, in China
it can be a state crime. Unlike other subjects, history offers students
a taste of the forbidden where even possessing a Tibetan flag or that
of Nationalist China is illegal. The result is a level of engaging
discussion which, with flags, students can follow visually.
For
example, one student immediately noticed in a Chinese propaganda poster
how the five people shown seem to represent the stars on the Chinese
flag, with the largest (representing the Communist Party) in the middle
surrounded by smaller people representing the various groups in society.
This is the type of analysis I hope students can demonstrate by the end
of my course. A girl in my Grade 11 class recently noted how the key
symbols shown in a Nazi poster were the very ones adopted for the state
flag (suspended above her) of the Communist regime that replaced it.
Through
the use of visual stimulus, my students and I engage in a discussion of
ideology that transcended anything we could have hoped for through a
simple reading of the text. Flags provide other stimuli besides colour
and their symbols. Nearly all my flags are vintage, individually- sewn
pieces of fabric slowly falling apart, which once represented nations
but today register little more than idle curiosity. Compared to cheap,
printed, mass- produced flags, the seams and stitches of such old flags
add an extra dimension to my class which gives students a subconscious
awareness of the traditions and history that went into making such
symbols. The musty smell of the heavy fabric adds weight to the history
I’m teaching, providing, I hope, the same feeling of wonder one gets by
looking at old standards hanging alone in the corner of some old
church.
British Empire Flag
Glorious heavy
multi-layered cotton sewn flag measuring approximately 156" (396cm) x 60" (152cm). Originally constructed for the British Empire Exhibition (1924-1925)
held at Wembley, this particular flag is a museum piece that was acquired at the closing of the Uralla War
Museum in New South Wales, Australia in 2013.
Many smaller versions (parade flags) exist, but this full sized version rarely comes up for auction.
Sometimes unofficially, albeit erroneously, also called the “Dominion
Flag” or “British Empire Flag” the flag takes the form of a U.K. white
ensign defaced with the arms and attributes of the dominions:
Australia
The coat of arms of Australia (formally known as the Commonwealth Coat of Arms) is the official symbol of Australia. The initial coat of arms, as displayed on this flag, was official from 07 May 1908 - 18 September 1912.
Canada
The badge featured here displays an earlier Coat of Arms of the country's initial 7 provinces (including the first draft of the Coat of Arms of British Columbia), and was semi-official between the years of 1873-1896.
India
The Star of India centred on the flag was in place during British rule between the years of 1858-1947.
New Zealand
A unique representation of New Zealand's Southern Cross. Although similar to the National Colonial Flag of Australia, the St. George's Cross overlaid with four white stars in the four quarters of the Cross, represents the Southern Cross of New Zealand. The difference being the number of points on the stars (Australia 7, New Zealand 5). The Governor of New Zealand flag (1869-1874) also displays the St. George's cross with four 5-pointed white stars in a similar fashion.
South Africa
This original rendition of the Coat of Arms of South Africa was in place from 17 September 1910 - 1930.
Australia
The coat of arms of Australia (formally known as the Commonwealth Coat of Arms) is the official symbol of Australia. The initial coat of arms, as displayed on this flag, was official from 07 May 1908 - 18 September 1912.
Canada
The badge featured here displays an earlier Coat of Arms of the country's initial 7 provinces (including the first draft of the Coat of Arms of British Columbia), and was semi-official between the years of 1873-1896.
India
The Star of India centred on the flag was in place during British rule between the years of 1858-1947.
New Zealand
A unique representation of New Zealand's Southern Cross. Although similar to the National Colonial Flag of Australia, the St. George's Cross overlaid with four white stars in the four quarters of the Cross, represents the Southern Cross of New Zealand. The difference being the number of points on the stars (Australia 7, New Zealand 5). The Governor of New Zealand flag (1869-1874) also displays the St. George's cross with four 5-pointed white stars in a similar fashion.
South Africa
This original rendition of the Coat of Arms of South Africa was in place from 17 September 1910 - 1930.
Flag proposals for the Federal Commonwealth Society.
http://www.europa-universalis.com/forum/showthread.php?t=325851&page=3 and right image by Charles Ashburner
Mrflag is selling this (very expensive for a mere) printed version of the flag:
Mrflag is selling this (very expensive for a mere) printed version of the flag:
Red Ensign, Commonwealth of Australia and Dominion of New Zealand
British East Africa, British Guiana and the Dominion of Canada
Ceylon, India and Jamaica
Newfoundland, Straits Settlement and Union of South Africa
From The Times History Of War XVII (150)
Sigismund Goetze's Britannia Pacificatrix at the Foreign Office showing Britannia victorious after the Great War, upholding the peace with the aid of Her far-off sons and allies within a marble colonnade topped with a Latin inscription. She shakes hands with America, wearing the cap of liberty and holding the scales of justice. She in turn is flanked by France, grasping a short sword pointed downward at the wreckage of Germany's war machine, and Italy, holding the axe and fasces. All stand on the imperial flag of Germany.
Badges of British Colonial Ensigns from Flags of Maritime Nations, 1914
Published by the US Department of Navy
The Flags of the British Empire from 1917, Includes: England. Scotland. Ireland. War. Naval. Wales. Royal Family. Customs. Vessels. Lighthouses. Boats. Gibraltar. Malta. Cyprus. Isle of Man. Alderney. Jersey. Guernsey. Canada. Bermuda. Bahama. Jamaica. Turks and Caicos. Barbados. St. Lucia. Falkland. New Zealand. Tonga. Australia. Borneo. Malay. Pahang. India. Egypt. Nigeria.
Using the same design featuring the flags of British India, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and South Africa for three different sovereigns.
Left: Set of 'British Empire' vintage playing cards featuring the flags of New Zealand, India, Canada, Australia, and South Africa. Right: British flag mascot, dated 1937, made for the Coronation
Edward VIII souvenir plaque for the 1937 Coronation which never took place due to the Abdication, featuring portrait of the King in full military dress framed with a crowned wreath, flags of Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, Australia and India around, 152mm. On the right entitled Chamberlain the Peacemaker are shown the flags (from left to right) of New Zealand, India, Dominion of Canada, South Africa and Australia.
Opening of British Empire Exhibition
Belfast in 1906 with the Canadian, Australian (earlier version with all stars in the Southern Cross seven-pointed apart from the smallest and the Commonwealth Star which didn't become 7 pointed until 1908) and Irish ensigns and, on the right, at the opening of the British Empire Exhibition in April 1924 in Wembley Stadium. Inexcusably, the Union flag is flying upside down.
Ridgways Tea tin, depicting H.M. King George V and Queen Mary
Canadian ensign (1892-1922), an apparent Indian Viceroy's flag, an unknown African Governor's flag and Australia
British Empire flags from the set of cards issued for the 1936 Berlin Games produced by Aurelia of Dresden.
Canadian Flags, the one on the left showing its shield within a white disc which I have never seen anywhere else.
Left: Governor General of Jamaica (not sure why this would have been flown)
Right: New Zealand RED Ensign (centre) and Malta to its right
FLAGS AND SIGNALS OF ALL NATIONS by Hounsell Brothers, flag manufacturers to the Lords' Commissioners of the Admiralty.
Blue Ensign flag, Union Jack and Red Ensign flag
Royal Standard, Standard of Prince of Wales and Standard of Duke of Edinburgh
Commodore's Broad Pendant flag, Scottish flag, and flag of the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland
British Consul flag, British Custom House flag, and Union Jack Merchant flag
Admiralty Flag, Admiral's Flag and White Ensign flag
London, Edinburgh and Dublin
Royal Standard, Standard of Prince of Wales and Standard of Duke of Edinburgh
Commodore's Broad Pendant flag, Scottish flag, and flag of the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland
British Consul flag, British Custom House flag, and Union Jack Merchant flag
Admiralty Flag, Admiral's Flag and White Ensign flag
London, Edinburgh and Dublin
Silks Kensitas British Empire Flags
1950s Flags of the Empire bunting
Twenty four small flags from the British Empire, dating from the early 1950's. They are attached to a length of cord which measures approximately 29 feet (8.85 metres) long. Each flag is printed on a loose weave material - probably cotton. There are two each from the following countries: Union Flag, Scotland, Wales, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, India, Ceylon, Pakistan, South Africa, Southern Rhodesia and the Gold Coast (Ghana).
Based on the initiative of John Marwood (Oxford, UK), high-resolution bimap artwork by Roberto Breschi (Lucca, Italy and vector art by Mario Fabretto (Turriaco, Italy)
Flags and Badges of the British Empire
Flags and Badges of the British Empire
The image on the left is from the Philips British Empire Atlas with the Navy League Crest illustrating the historical development, physical and climatic features, natural resources, trade and economic development, scenery, flags and badges of the British Empire. It was printed in Great Britain in 1924, is 250mm x 195mm and over 80 pages.
circa 1930s
Left: 1895 Chart entitled Flags of the British Empire showing the Blue Pendant & White Pendant and the following flags: Royal Naval Reserve, Lloyd’s ensign, Man o’ War, Board of Trade Marine Department, The Royal Standard, Custom House, Governor General of Colonies, St George’s Cross, British India, Dominion of Canada, Union Flag, Newfoundland, Cape Colony, Natal, Merchant Red Ensign, Commonwealth of Australia and the Dominion of New Zealand. Right:Wills in 1908 entitled Flags & Ensigns. Includes White Ensign, Strait Settlements, Sandwich Islands, Governor General of Colonies, Custom House, British Empire Admiralty Vessels, Board of Trade and Blue Ensign.
From Whitney Smith's book on Flags
From Whitney Smith's book on Flags
Flags, Badges & Arms of His Majesty’s Dominions Beyond the Seas and of Territories Under His Majesty’s Protection
From Marcus E.V. Schmöger's remarkable collection, graciously provided. His own websites can be found at www: http://www.smev.de/flags http://www.ed-wappen.de
1899 Chromolithographs of World Flags
Massary Zigarettenfabrik 1929
Wer nennt die Länder-kennt die Flaggen. This German tobacco card album was published in 1929 by the German tobacco company Massary in Berlin in 1929 and contains 64 pages with filled with a complete set of 837 1 ¾ x 2 ½ inch cards depicting flags of all the countries around the world including some of their colonies and provinces and over130 cards of the British Empire.
Pamphlets published in the Dominion of Canada during the Second World War
Flags of Empire
That on the right shows the wrong depiction of the Canadian flag inexplicably.
From Alfred Znamierowski's The World of Flags (pp. 108-109)
British Overseas Territories today
1899 Chromolithographs of World Flags
Massary Zigarettenfabrik 1929
Wer nennt die Länder-kennt die Flaggen. This German tobacco card album was published in 1929 by the German tobacco company Massary in Berlin in 1929 and contains 64 pages with filled with a complete set of 837 1 ¾ x 2 ½ inch cards depicting flags of all the countries around the world including some of their colonies and provinces and over130 cards of the British Empire.
From Die Welt in Bilder Album 7 -Fahnenbilder Aussereuropäische Staaten (The World in Pictures Volume 7 subtitled Flags of the World Outside of European States)
This tobacco card album was published in 1932 by the German tobacco company Cigaretten-Bilderdienst in Dresden(a union of various tobacco companies) and contains 27 pages filled with a complete set of 200 1 ¾ x 2 ½ inch cards with gold borders depicting flags of countries around the world except Europe.Pamphlets published in the Dominion of Canada during the Second World War
Flags of Empire
Canada and the United Nations
20 pages, by Gutta, Percha & Rubber Co., lithographed in Toronto, 19 countries listed with leader portraits and scenic illustrations.
Flags of Empire - Flags of Commonwealth
The chart on the left celebrates the first 100 years of the Australian National Flag and the use of the British Union Flag in 30 national, state and vice-regal Flags flown between 1901 and 2001. It also acknowledges the origins of the Australian National Flag, derived from the British Admiralty’s basic design directives for colonial and Dominion Flags, i.e., the Union Flag and a local design feature elsewhere on the flag.That on the right shows the wrong depiction of the Canadian flag inexplicably.
Australian Disloyalty
From Alfred Znamierowski's The World of Flags (pp. 108-109)
Grenada, Nyasaland, Tanganyika, Gilbert & Ellice Islands, Burma, Sarawak, Fed. of Rhodesia & Nyasaland, Guyana, Solomon Islands, Seychelles, Bahamas, Dominica, Saint Lucia, Barbados, British Honduras, Turks and Caicos Islands, New Zealand (1900-1902), Australia (1903-1908)
British Overseas Territories today
Flags of the 14 Overseas Territories used by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and outside the Millennium Hall in Flore, Northamptonshire.
The flags of the Overseas Territories a Parliament Square and Vice-Regal standards at the Commonwealth Flag Project