Product Description
21 April 2005 White Ensign Smilers SheetThe flag stamp was first issued as part of a miniature sheet in October 2001. The labels show 20 different signal flags, and the margins of the sheet show a naval chart, and WHITE ENSIGN spelled in semaphore flags.
The White Ensign is the flag of the Royal Navy, and is worn by all HM Ships in commission and by shore establishments. Some Civilian authorities with Naval connections have been granted permission to use it in special circumstances. Before 1864 the Fleet comprised 3 Squadrons using the Red, White and Blue Ensigns respectively. The present design dates from 1801.