kids encyclopedia robot

Historical flags of the British Empire and the overseas territories facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
British Empire
Flag of British Empire
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg
Flags were used to represent a variety of territories colonies, and Dominions across the British Empire
Flags were used to represent a variety of territories colonies, and Dominions across the British Empire
List of British flags
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg
English flags
Northern Irish flags
Scottish flags
Welsh flags
Royal Standards

The historical flags of the British Empire and the overseas territories refers to the various flags that were used across the various Dominions, Crown colonies, protectorates, and territories which made up the British Empire and overseas territories. Early flags that were used across the Empire (including the then Thirteen Colonies which later became the United States of America) tended to be variations of the Red and Blue Ensigns of Great Britain with no colonial badges or coat of arms attached to them. In the first half of the 19th century, the first colonies started to acquire their own colony badges, but it was not until the UK Parliament passed the Colonial Naval Defence Act 1865 that the colonies were required to apply their own emblems.

The following list contains all former and current flags that have been used across the Empire and as well as British overseas territories.

Contents

Historical flags of the British Empire and the overseas territories

Aden

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of Aden (1937–1963).svg 1937–1963 Aden A Blue Ensign defaced with an Arab ship inside a disc

Akrotiri and Dhekelia

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg 1960– Akrotiri and Dhekelia The Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia have never had their own official flag, and instead use the Union Jack for all official purposes.

Anguilla

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of Anguilla (1967–1969).svg 1967–1969 Anguilla The 1967–1969 independence flag and is still widely seen and used on the island as an unofficial flag to this day.
Flag of Anguilla.svg 1990– Anguilla A defaced Blue Ensign with the coat of arms of Anguilla in the fly. Still currently used as the flag for the island.

Antigua and Barbuda

Flag Date Use Description
Colonial ensigns of Antigua and Barbuda (1956-1962).svg 1956–1962 Antigua and Barbuda A Blue Ensign defaced with the colonial coat of arms of Antigua on a white disc.
Colonial ensigns of Antigua and Barbuda (1962-1967).svg 1962–1967 Antigua and Barbuda A Blue Ensign defaced with the colonial coat of arms of Antigua.
Flag of Antigua and Barbuda.svg 1967–1981 Antigua and Barbuda This flag was adopted in 1967, to mark Antigua and Barbuda gaining Associated State status with the United Kingdom, and remained in use after full independence in 1981.

Australia

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of Australia (1901–1903).svg 1901–1903 Australia The original 1901 Federal Flag Design Competition winner. A Blue Ensign defaced with the Commonwealth Star (with 6 points) in the lower hoist quarter and the five stars of the Southern Cross in the fly half (each star had a varying number of points: 9, 8, 7, 6 and 5).
Civil Ensign of Australia (1901–1903).svg 1901–1903 Australia (Civil Ensign) A Red Ensign defaced with the Commonwealth Star (with 6 points) in the lower hoist quarter and the five stars of the Southern Cross in the fly half (each star had a varying number of points: 9, 8, 7, and 6).
Flag of Australia (1903–1908).svg 1903–1908 Australia A Blue Ensign defaced with the Commonwealth Star (with 6 points) in the lower hoist quarter and the five stars of the Southern Cross in the fly half (all stars had seven points, except the smallest star only had 5 points) as approved by King Edward VII.
Civil Ensign of Australia (1903–1908).svg 1903–1908 Australia (Civil Ensign) A Red Ensign defaced with the Commonwealth Star (with 6 points) in the lower hoist quarter and the five stars of the Southern Cross in the fly half (all stars had seven points).
Flag of Australia (converted).svg 1908– Australia A Blue Ensign defaced with the seven-point Commonwealth Star in the lower hoist quarter and the five stars of the Southern Cross in the fly half. Still currently used as the national flag of Australia.
Civil Ensign of Australia.svg 1908– Australia (Civil Ensign) Based on the British Civil Air Ensign, with the addition of the Southern Cross and Commonwealth Star in white. Still currently used as the civil ensign of Australia.

Australian States

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of New South Wales.svg 1901– State of New South Wales A St George's Cross with four gold stars and a lion in the fly of a Blue Ensign.
Flag of Queensland (1901–1963).svg 1901–1963 State of Queensland A light blue Maltese cross with a Tudor crown on a white background in the fly of a Blue Ensign. In 1963 the Tudor Crown was replaced with the St Edward's Crown.
Flag of South Australia (1876–1904).svg 1901–1904 State of South Australia A Blue Ensign with a round disc in the fly displaying Brittania and an Aboriginal Australian man on a beach beside a cliff face with a kangaroo carving.
Flag of South Australia.svg 1904– State of South Australia A piping shrike on a gold background in the fly of a Blue Ensign.
Flag of Tasmania.svg 1901– State of Tasmania A red lion on a white background in the fly of a Blue Ensign.
Flag of Victoria (1901–1952).svg 1901–1953 State of Victoria The Southern Cross surmounted by a Tudor crown in the fly of a Blue Ensign. In 1953 the Tudor Crown was replaced with the St Edward's Crown.
Flag of Western Australia (1870–1953).svg 1901– State of Western Australia A black swan on a gold background in the fly of a Blue Ensign.

Bahama Islands

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of the Bahamas (1869-1904).svg 1869–1904 Bahama Islands A Blue Ensign defaced with the badge of the Bahama Islands in a white disc.
Flag of the Bahamas (1904-1923).svg 1904–1923 Bahama Islands A Blue Ensign defaced with the badge of the Bahama Islands in a white disc.
Flag of the Bahamas (1923-1953).svg 1923–1953 Bahama Islands A Blue Ensign defaced with the badge of the Bahama Islands.
Flag of the Bahamas (1953-1964).svg 1953–1964 Bahama Islands A Blue Ensign defaced with the badge of the Bahama Islands.
Ensign of the Bahamas (1953–1964).svg 1953–1964 Bahama Islands (Civil Ensign) A Red Ensign defaced with the badge of the Bahama Islands.
Flag of the Bahamas (1964–1973).svg 1964–1973 Bahama Islands A Blue Ensign defaced with the badge of the Bahama Islands.
Ensign of the Bahamas (1964–1973).svg 1964–1973 Bahama Islands (Civil Ensign) A Red Ensign defaced with the badge of the Bahama Islands.

Bahrain

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of Bahrain (1820-1932).svg 1820–1932 Bahrain Protectorate A plain red with a white bar at the hoist.
Flag of Bahrain (1932-1972).svg 1932–1972 Bahrain Protectorate A white band on the left, separated from a red area on the right by twenty-eight triangles that serve as a serrated line.

Barbados

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of Barbados (1870–1966).svg 1870–1966 Barbados A Blue Ensign with the emblem of Barbados.
Ensign of Barbados (1870–1966).svg 1870–1966 Barbados (Civil Ensign) A Red Ensign with the emblem of Barbados.

Basutoland

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg 1822–1966 Basutoland Flag of the United Kingdom.
Unofficial Basutoland Ensign.svg 1951–1966 Basutoland (Unofficial) A Blue Ensign with the arms of Basutoland in a white disc.

Bermuda

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of Bermuda (1875-1910).svg 1875–1910 Bermuda A Blue Ensign defaced with the badge of Bermuda.
Flag of Bermuda (1910–1999).svg 1910–1999 Bermuda A Red Ensign defaced with the coat of arms of Bermuda.
Government Ensign of Bermuda 1910-1999.svg 1910–1999 Bermuda (Government Ensign) A Blue Ensign defaced with the coat of arms of Bermuda.

British America

Flag Date Use Description
Colonial-Red-Ensign.svg Until 1801 (Canada)
Until 1776 (US, de facto)
Until 1783 (US, de jure)
British America, part of which is now Canada and the United States A red ensign with the first version of the Union Jack in the canton (formed as a square). Also known as the Queen Ann Flag and amended to form the Continental Colours of the United States in 1775.

British Antarctic Territory

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of the British Antarctic Territory.svg 1963– British Antarctic Territory A defaced White Ensign with the coat of arms of the British Antarctic Territory.
Government Ensign of the British Antarctic Territory.svg 1969– British Antarctic Territory (Government Ensign) A defaced Blue Ensign with the coat of arms of the British Antarctic Territory.

British Cameroon

Flag Date Use Description
British Cameroon Flag.svg 1922–1961 British Cameroons A Blue Ensign defaced with the words 'British Cameroon' surrounding bananas, all inside a white disc.

British Central Africa Protectorate

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of British Central Africa Protectorate.svg 1893–1907 British Central Africa Protectorate A Blue Ensign with an emblem of the British Central Africa Protectorate.

British Ceylon

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of Ceylon (1875–1948).svg 1815–1948 Ceylon A Blue Ensign defaced with the coat of arms of Ceylon.

British Columbia Colony

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of the Colony of British Columbia.svg 1866–1871 British Columbia Colony A Blue Ensign defaced with the seal of the Colony, all inside a white disc.

British East Africa

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of the Imperial British East Africa Company.svg 1888–1895 British East Africa Company A Union Jack with the logo of the British East Africa Company in the centre.
Flag of Kenya (1895–1921).svg 1895–1921 East Africa Protectorate A Blue Ensign defaced with an emblem of British East Africa.

British Guiana

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of British Guiana (1875–1906).svg 1875–1906 British Guiana A Blue Ensign defaced with the badge of British Guiana.
Flag of British Guiana (1906–1919).svg 1906–1919 British Guiana A Blue Ensign defaced with the badge of British Guiana inside a white disc.
Flag of British Guiana (1919–1955).svg 1919–1954 British Guiana A Blue Ensign defaced with the badge of British Guiana.
Flag of British Guiana (1955–1966).svg 1955–1966 British Guiana A Blue Ensign defaced with the coat of arms of British Guiana inside a white disc.

British Hong Kong

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of Hong Kong 1871.svg 1870–1876 British Hong Kong A Blue Ensign defaced with the letters HK and a royal crown in a white disc.
Flag of Hong Kong (1876–1955).svg 1876–1941,
1945–1955
British Hong Kong A Blue Ensign defaced with the colonial badge of Hong Kong.
Flag of Hong Kong (1955–1959).svg 1955–1959 British Hong Kong A Blue Ensign defaced with the colonial badge of Hong Kong.
Flag of Hong Kong 1959.svg 1959–1997 British Hong Kong A Blue Ensign defaced with the coat of arms of Hong Kong in a white disc.

British Honduras

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of British Honduras (1870–1919).svg 1870–1919 British Honduras A Blue Ensign defaced with the badge of British Honduras inside a white disc.
Flag of British Honduras (1919–1981).svg 1919–1981 British Honduras A Blue Ensign defaced with the badge of British Honduras.

British India

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of the British East India Company (1707).svg 1733–1801 East India Company A flag with red and white stripes and the flag of Great Britain in the canton.
Flag of the British East India Company (1801).svg 1801–1858 East India Company A flag with red and white stripes and the flag of the United Kingdom in the canton.
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg 1858–1947 British India Flag of the United Kingdom.
British Raj Red Ensign.svg 1880–1947 British India A Red Ensign defaced with the Order of the Star of India
Flag of the Governor-General of India (1885–1947).svg 1885–1947 British India A Union Jack with the Star of India in the center, surmounted by the Tudor Crown. Used at various International events to represent Imperial India.
Flag of Imperial India.svg 1879–1947 British India (Blue Ensign) A Blue Ensign defaced with the Star of India, used as the naval flag.

British Indian Ocean Territory

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of the British Indian Ocean Territory 1990.svg 1990 British Indian Ocean Territory A defaced Union Jack with blue wavy stripes with a palm tree with a gold crown on the stump.
Flag of the British Indian Ocean Territory.svg 1990– British Indian Ocean Territory A defaced Union Jack with blue wavy stripes with a palm tree with a gold and red crown on the stump.

British Leeward Islands

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of Leeward Islands (1871–1956).svg 1871–1956 British Leeward Islands A Blue Ensign defaced with the emblem of the British Leeward Islands in the fly.

British New Hebrides

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of the British New Hebrides (1906–1952).svg 1906–1952 British New Hebrides A Blue Ensign defaced with the badge of British New Hebrides.
Flag of the British New Hebrides (1952–1980).svg 1952–1980 British New Hebrides A Blue Ensign defaced with the badge of British New Hebrides.
Flag of New Hebrides.svg 1966–1980 New Hebrides Condominium The New Hebrides Condominium used several flags that features the flags of both the United Kingdom and France, this version has sky blue field.

British Malaya

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of the Federated Malay States (1895 - 1946).svg 1895–1946 Federated Malay States The flag was striped horizontally with an overall 1:2 to ratio with white stripe at the top, red, yellow and black at the bottom. In the centre was a white oblong, with a horizontal major axis, and a Malayan tiger (Malay: Harimau Malaya) leaping, face to the left.
Flag of the Federated Malay States (Civil Ensign).svg 1895–1946 Federated Malay States (Civil Ensign) The flag was striped horizontally with an overall 1:2 to ratio with white stripe at the top, red, yellow and black at the bottom with the Union Jack in the canton.

British Straits Settlements

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of the British Straits Settlements (1868–1877).svg 1868–1874 British Straits Settlements A Blue Ensign defaced with a golden crown at the bottom right hand corner.
Flag of the British Straits Settlements (1904–1925).svg 1874–1925 British Straits Settlements A Blue Ensign defaced with a white disc containing three gold crowns separated by a red inverted pall.
Flag of the British Straits Settlements (1925–1946).svg 1925–1946 British Straits Settlements A Blue Ensign defaced containing three gold crowns separated by a red inverted pall.

British Mauritius

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of Mauritius (1869–1906).svg 1869–1906 British Mauritius A Blue Ensign defaced with the former badge of Mauritius in a white disc.
Flag of Mauritius (1906–1923).svg 1906–1923 British Mauritius A Blue Ensign defaced with the coat of arms of Mauritius in a white disc.
Flag of Mauritius (1923–1968).svg 1923–1968 British Mauritius A Blue Ensign defaced with the coat of arms of Mauritius.

British Nigeria (Northern & Southern)

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of the Northern Nigeria Protectorate (1900–1914).svg 1900–1914 Northern Nigeria Protectorate A Blue Ensign defaced with the badge of the Northern Nigeria Protectorate in a red disc.
Flag of the Southern Nigeria Protectorate (1900–1914).svg 1900–1914 Southern Nigeria Protectorate A Blue Ensign defaced with the badge of the Southern Nigeria Protectorate in a green disc.
Flag of Nigeria (1914–1952).svg 1914–1952 British Nigeria A Blue Ensign defaced with a green Star of David surrounding a Tudor Crown with the white word "Nigeria" under it on a red disc.
Flag of Nigeria (1952–1960).svg 1952–1960 British Nigeria A Blue Ensign defaced with the a green Star of David surrounding a St. Edward's Crown with the white word "Nigeria" under it on a red disc.

British Solomon Islands

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of the Solomon Islands (1906–1947).svg 1906–1947 British Solomon Islands A Blue Ensign defaced with the badge of the Solomon Islands.
Flag of the Solomon Islands (1947–1956).svg 1947–1956 British Solomon Islands A Blue Ensign charged with the badge of the Solomon Islands.
Flag of the Solomon Islands (1956–1966).svg 1956–1966 British Solomon Islands A Blue Ensign charged with the badge of the Solomon Islands.
Flag of the Solomon Islands (1966–1977).svg 1966–1977 British Solomon Islands A Blue Ensign charged with the badge of the Solomon Islands without a white disc.

British Somaliland

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of British Somaliland (1903–1950).svg 1903–1950 British Somaliland A Blue Ensign defaced with the coat of arms of British Somaliland.
Civil Ensign of British Somaliland (1903–1950).svg 1903–1950 British Somaliland A Red Ensign defaced with the coat of arms of British Somaliland.
Flag of British Somaliland (1950–1952).svg 1950–1952 British Somaliland A Blue Ensign defaced with the coat of arms of British Somaliland.
Civil Ensign of British Somaliland (1950–1952).svg 1950–1952 British Somaliland A Red Ensign defaced with the coat of arms of British Somaliland.
Flag of British Somaliland (1952–1960).svg 1952–1960 British Somaliland A Blue Ensign defaced with the coat of arms of British Somaliland.
Civil Ensign of British Somaliland (1952–1960).svg 1952–1960 British Somaliland A Red Ensign defaced with the coat of arms of British Somaliland.

British Virgin Islands

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of the British Virgin Islands.svg 1960– British Virgin Islands A Blue Ensign defaced with the coat of arms of the British Virgin Islands.

British West Africa

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of the British West Africa Settlements (1870–1888).svg 1866–1888 British West Africa A Blue Ensign defaced with the badge of British West Africa Settlements.

British Windward Islands

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of the British Windward Islands (1886-1903).svg 1886–1903 British Windward Islands A Blue Ensign defaced with the coat of arms of the British Windward Islands inside a disc.
Flag of the British Windward Islands (1903-1953).svg 1903–1958 British Windward Islands A Blue Ensign defaced with the coat of arms of the British Windward Islands inside a disc.
Flag of the British Windward Islands (1953-1960).svg 1953–1960 British Windward Islands A Blue Ensign defaced with the coat of arms of the British Windward Islands inside a disc.

Burma

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of Burma (1939–1941, 1945–1948).svg 1939–1941; 1945–1948 Colony of Burma A Blue Ensign defaced with the badge of the Colony of Burma

Brunei

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of Brunei 1906-1959.svg 1906–1959 Brunei A yellow field cut by black and white diagonal stripes.
Flag of Brunei.svg 1959–1983 Brunei Flag of Brunei

Canada

  • Note: Canada formally became an independent country from the United Kingdom under the Statute of Westminster 1931.
Flag Date Use Description
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg 1867–1931 Canada (national flag) The Union Jack served as the formal national flag of Canada from Confederation to 1965. However, from the late 19th century to 1965, the civil ensign for Canada, the Canadian Red Ensign, was also used as an unofficial national flag and symbol for Canada.
Canadian Red Ensign 1868-1921.svg 1868–1921 Canada (civil ensign and de facto national flag) A red ensign defaced with the coat of arms of the Dominion of Canada.
Flag of Canada (1870).svg 1870 Canada (civil ensign variant) A red ensign defaced with the coat of arms of the Dominion of Canada surrounded by an arc of golden maple leaves.
Flag of Canada (1873).svg 1873 Canada (civil ensign variant) A red ensign defaced with the coat of arms of the Dominion of Canada surrounded by an arc of golden maple leaves within a white disc.
Flag of Canada (1896).svg 1896 Canada (civil ensign variant) A red ensign defaced with the coat of arms of the Dominion of Canada surrounded by an arc of golden maple leaves within a white disc.
Canadian Red Ensign 1896 with the Crown of Saint Edward (Heraldry).svg 1896 Canada (civil ensign variant) A red ensign defaced with the coat of arms of the Dominion of Canada with the Crown of Saint Edward (Heraldry).
Canadian Blue Ensign (1868–1921).svg 1868–1921 Canada (naval ensign) A blue ensign defaced with the coat of arms of the Dominion of Canada.
Canadian Red Ensign 1873.svg 1873–1921 Canada (civil ensign variant) A red ensign defaced with the coat of arms of the Dominion of Canada.
Canadian Red Ensign (1905–1922).svg 1905–1922 Canada (civil ensign variant) A version of the Canadian red ensign defaced with the coat of arms of the Dominion of Canada that was used from 1905 until 1922.
Canadian Blue Ensign 1905-1922.svg 1905–1922 Canada (naval ensign variant) A version of the Canadian blue ensign defaced with the coat of arms of the Dominion of Canada that was used from 1905 until 1922.
Canadian Red Ensign 1921-1957.svg 1921–1931 Canada (civil ensign variant and de facto national flag) A red ensign defaced with the coat of arms of the Dominion of Canada.
Canadian Red Ensign 1921-1957 (with disc).svg 1921–1931 Canada (civil ensign variant) A red ensign defaced with the coat of arms of the Dominion of Canada within a white disc. Used at the opening ceremony of the 1936 Summer Olympic Games.
Canadian Blue Ensign (1921–1957).svg 1921–1931 Canada (naval ensign) A blue ensign defaced with the coat of arms of the Dominion of Canada.

Cayman Islands

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of the Cayman Islands (pre-1999).svg 1958–1999 Cayman Islands A blue ensign defaced with the coat of arms of the Cayman Islands within a white disc.
Civil Ensign of the Cayman Islands (pre-1999).svg 1958–1999 Cayman Islands (Civil Ensign) A red ensign defaced with the coat of arms of the Cayman Islands within a white disc.

Cape Colony

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of the Cape Colony 1876-1910.svg 1876–1910 Cape Colony A blue ensign defaced with the shield-of-arms of Cape Colony.

Cook Islands

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of Rarotonga 1888-1893.svg 1888–1893 Kingdom of Rarotonga Three horizontal stripes of red, white and red, with three blue five-pointed stars on the right side of the white band, and a Union Jack in the canton.
Flag of the Cook Islands Federation.svg 1893–1901 Cook Islands Federation Three horizontal stripes of red, white and red, with a Union Jack (defaced with a palm tree on a mound of sand in the centre) in the canton.

Cyprus

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of Cyprus (1881-1922).svg 1881–1922 Cyprus A Blue Ensign defaced with the badge of British Cyprus
Flag of Cyprus (1922-1960).svg 1922–1960 Cyprus A Blue Ensign defaced with two red lions.
Civil Ensign of Cyprus (1922–1960).svg 1922–1960 Cyprus A Red Ensign defaced with the badge of British Cyprus.

Dominica

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of Dominica (1955–1965).svg 1955–1965 Dominica A Blue Ensign with the arms of Dominica
Flag of Dominica (1965–1978).svg 1965–1978 Dominica A Blue Ensign with the coat of arms of Dominica

Falkland Islands & Dependencies

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of the Falkland Islands (1876–1925).svg 1876–1925 Falkland Islands
Falkland Islands Dependencies
A blue ensign defaced with the seal of the Falkland Islands.
Flag of the Falkland Islands (1925–1948).svg 1925–1948 Falkland Islands
Falkland Islands Dependencies
A blue ensign defaced with the Colonial Badge of the Falkland Islands.
Flag of the Falkland Islands (1948-1999).svg 1948–1982,
1982–1999
Falkland Islands
Falkland Islands Dependencies
(1948–1982) (1982–1985)
A blue ensign defaced with the Coat of arms of the Falkland Islands on a white disc.
Civil Ensign of the Falkland Islands (1999).svg 1948–1982,
1982–1999
Falkland Islands (Civil Ensign)
The 1948–1999 Civil Ensign was a Red ensign defaced with the Coat of arms of the Falkland Islands on a white disc.

Fiji

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of Fiji (1877-1883).svg 1877–1883 Fiji A Blue Ensign with a white disc in the fly containing a badge of foliage and crossed war-clubs with a superimposed shield bearing a mermaid looking at herself in a hand mirror. The badge is based on what was then the seal of the Supreme Court of Fiji.
Flag of Fiji (1883–1903).svg 1883–1903 Fiji A Blue Ensign with a white disc in the fly displaying a Saint Edward's Crown surmounted by a crowned lion with the word "FIJI" beneath it.
Flag of Fiji (1883–1908).svg 1903–1908 Fiji A Blue Ensign with a white disc in the fly displaying a Tudor Crown surmounted by a crowned lion with the word "FIJI" beneath it.
Flag of Fiji (1908–1924).svg 1908–1924 Fiji A Blue Ensign with the coat of arms of Fiji on a white disc.
Red Ensign of Fiji (1908-1970).svg 1908–1970 Fiji A Red Ensign with the coat of arms of Fiji on a white disc.
Flag of Fiji (1924–1970).svg 1924–1970 Fiji A Blue Ensign with the coat of arms of Fiji centred on the fly half.

Gambia Colony and Protectorate

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of The Gambia (1889–1965).svg 1889–1965 Gambia Colony and Protectorate A blue ensign defaced with an elephant and the letters G. under the feet of the elephant all inside a disc.

Gibraltar

Flag Date Use Description
Government Ensign of Gibraltar (1875–1921).svg 1875–1921 Gibraltar (Government Ensign) A blue ensign defaced with the badge of Gibraltar on a white disc.
Government Ensign of Gibraltar (1921–1939).svg 1921–1939 Gibraltar (Government Ensign) A blue ensign defaced with the badge of Gibraltar.
Government Ensign of Gibraltar (1939–1999).svg 1939–1999 Gibraltar (Government Ensign) A blue ensign defaced with the badge of Gibraltar.
Flag of Gibraltar.svg 1982– Gibraltar A white and red flag with the banner of the coat of arms of Gibraltar. Still currently used as the flag of Gibraltar.

Grenada

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of Grenada (1875-1903).svg 1875–1903 Grenada A blue ensign defaced with the then badge of Grenada on a disc.
Flag of Grenada (1903–1967).svg 1903–1967 Grenada A blue ensign defaced with the then badge of Grenada on a disc.
Flag of Grenada (1967-1974).svg 1967–1974 Grenada Three equal horizontal stripes blue, yellow and green from top to bottom and a branch of a pomegranate inside a white oval in the middle.

Gilbert and Ellice Islands

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands (1937–1976).svg 1932–1976 Gillbert and Ellice Islands A blue ensign defaced with the Coat of Arms of Gilbert and Ellice Islands.

Gilbert Islands

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of the Gilbert Islands (1976–1979).svg 1976–1979 Gillbert Islands A blue ensign defaced with the Coat of Arms of Gilbert Islands. Identical with the previous flag of Gilbert and Ellice Islands.

Gold Coast

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of the Gold Coast (1877–1957).svg 1821–1957 Gold Coast A blue ensign defaced with an elephant and the letters GC under the feet of the elephant all inside a disc

Heligoland

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of British Heligoland.svg 1807–1890 Heligoland The flag of Heligoland with the Union Jack in the canton.

Ionian Islands

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of the United States of the Ionian Islands.svg 1815–1864 Ionian Islands A blue ensign defaced with the shield of the symbol of Mark the Evangelist (symbol of the Republic of Venice) and surrounded with the red border.

Iraq

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of Iraq (1921–1959).svg 1924–1932 Mesopotamia Flag of Mandatory Iraq; continued to be used after independence until 1959.

Ireland

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of Ireland.svg 1922–1949 Irish Free State A vertical tricolour of green, white and orange. Still used as the national flag for the Republic of Ireland.

Jamaica

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of Jamaica (1875–1906).svg 1875–1906 Jamaica A British Blue Ensign defaced with the Coat of arms of Colonial Jamaica within a white disc.
Flag of Jamaica (1906–1957).svg 1906–1957 Jamaica A British Blue Ensign defaced with the Coat of arms of Colonial Jamaica within a white disc.
Flag of Jamaica (1957–1962).svg 1957–1962 Jamaica A British Blue Ensign defaced with the Coat of arms of Colonial Jamaica within a white disc.
Flag of Jamaica (1962).svg 1962 Jamaica A British Blue Ensign defaced with the Coat of arms of Colonial Jamaica within a white disc.

Kedah

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of Kedah.svg 1912–1950 Kedah Protectorate Colony of Kedah Red Coat of arms.

Kenya

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of Kenya (1921–1963).svg 1920–1963 Kenya A Blue Ensign defaced with a red lion rampant guardant.

Kuwait

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of the Ottoman Empire.svg 1899–1914 Kuwait Protectorate The flags of the Ottoman Empire were used.
Flag of Kuwait (1914-1921).svg 1914–1921 Kuwait Protectorate A red flag with the word "Kuwait" in the center.
Flag of Kuwait (1921-1940).svg 1921–1940 Kuwait Protectorate A Shahada was added in the fly half.
Flag of Kuwait (1940-1961).svg 1940–1961 Kuwait Protectorate A wasm sign was added in the fly half.

Labuan

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of Labuan (1912–1946).svg 1912–1946 Labuan A blue ensign defaced with the badge of Labuan.

Lagos Colony

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of Lagos Colony (1888–1906).svg 1888–1906 Lagos Colony A blue ensign defaced with an elephant and the letter L. under the feet of the elephant all inside a disc

Lower Canada

Flag Date Use Description
Red Ensign of Great Britain (1707-1800).svg 1791–1801 Lower Canada The Red Ensign of Great Britain.
Civil Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg 1801–1841 Lower Canada The Red Ensign of the United Kingdom.

Malacca

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of Malacca (1946-1957).svg 1946–1957 Malacca A blue ensign defaced with A Famosa motif.

Maldives

Flag Date Use Description
Old National Flag of the Maldives.svg 1903–1953 Maldives Protectorate

Malta

Flag Date Use Description
19th Century Flag of Malta.svg 19th century Malta A red ensign defaced with a white St George's cross.
Flag of Malta (1875–1898).svg 1875–1898 Malta A blue ensign defaced with the badge of Malta in a white disc.
Flag of Malta (1898–1923).svg 1898–1923 Malta A blue ensign defaced with the badge of Malta in a white disc.
Flag of Malta (1923–1943).svg 1923–1943 Malta A blue ensign defaced with the badge of Malta.
Flag of Malta (1943–1964).svg 1943–1964 Malta A blue ensign defaced with the badge of Malta in a white disc.

Montserrat

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of Montserrat (1960-1999).svg 1960–1999 Montserrat A Blue Ensign with the coat of arms of Montserrat in the fly.

Kingdom of Mosquitia

Flag Date Use Description
1824–1844 Kingdom of Mosquitia Six horizontal stripes alternating blue and white, and in the canton, a Union Jack.

Muscat and Oman

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of Muscat.svg 1820–1970 Muscat and Oman Protectorate

Natal Colony

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of the Natal Colony 1875-1910.svg 1843–1910 Natal A Blue Ensign defaced with the coat of arms of Natal.

New Guinea

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of the British New Guinea from 1884-1888.svg 1884–1888 British New Guinea A blue British ensign with a white disc in the fly featuring the Tudor Crown over the initials "N.G.".
Flag of the British New Guinea from 1888 - 1906.svg 1888–1906 British New Guinea A blue British ensign with a white disc in the fly featuring the Tudor Crown over the initials "B.N.G.".
Flag of the Territory of New Guinea.svg 1919–1949 Territory of New Guinea A blue ensign defaced with a crown and the syllables T.N.G underneath inside a white disc.

New South Wales Colony

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of New South Wales (1867).svg 1867–1870 New South Wales Colony A Blue Ensign defaced with the letters "NSW".
Flag of New South Wales (1870–1876).svg 1870–1876 New South Wales Colony A Blue Ensign with gold stars; 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 points with the "Governor's Badge" located in the fly. The badge was the Southern Cross and an imperial crown situated above the Southern Cross.
Flag of New South Wales.svg 1876–1901 New South Wales Colony A Blue Ensign with a badge located in the fly. The badge, based on the coat of arms, is a white disc with the cross of St George, a golden lion passant guardant in the centre of the cross and an eight-pointed gold star on each arm of the cross. This flag is still currently used as the state flag.

Newfoundland

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of Newfoundland 1862-1870.svg 1862–1870 Newfoundland A white flag bearing the red cross of St George with a yellow crown at the centre.
Dominion of Newfoundland Blue Ensign, 1870–1904.svg 1870–1904 Newfoundland A blue ensign defaced with a seal of the crown and underwritten is "Terra Nova".
Dominion of Newfoundland Red Ensign.svg 1904–1931 (used as Civil Ensign until 1965) Newfoundland A red ensign defaced with the Great Seal of Newfoundland and between 1907 and 1931 was the de facto national flag of Newfoundland. Used as a civil ensign until 1965.
Dominion of Newfoundland Blue Ensign.svg 1904–1931 Newfoundland (Civil and Naval flag) A Blue Ensign defaced with the Great Seal of Newfoundland, primarily civil and naval use.
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg 1931–1949 (Province flag until 1980) Newfoundland The Union Jack was used in Newfoundland as the national flag from 1931 until confederation with Canada in 1949 and was then used as the province flag until 1980.

New Zealand

  • Note: Although it had been self-governing since 1852, New Zealand formally became an independent country from the United Kingdom under the Statute of Westminster Adoption Act 1947, which adopted the Statute of Westminster 1931.
Flag Date Use Description
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg 1840–1902 New Zealand Adopted following the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840.
Flag of New Zealand Government Ships 1867.svg 1867–1869 New Zealand (naval ensign) A Blue Ensign defaced with the red letters “NZ” with white edge written into the lower fly half. This flag was used on New Zealand Government ships.
Flag of New Zealand.svg 1902 New Zealand (national flag) A Blue Ensign with the Southern Cross of four white-edged red five-pointed stars centred on the fly half. This flag is still currently used as the National flag of New Zealand.
Civil Ensign of New Zealand.svg 1869 New Zealand (civil ensign) A Red Ensign with the Southern Cross of four white five-pointed stars centred on the fly half. This flag is still currently used as the Civil Ensign of New Zealand.

Niger Coast Protectorate

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of the Oil Rivers Protectorate (1884–1893).svg 1884–1893 Oil Rivers Protectorate A blue ensign defaced with the badge of the Oil Rivers Protectorate in a disc.
Flag of the Niger Coast Protectorate (1893–1899).svg 1893–1899 Niger Coast Protectorate A blue ensign defaced with the badge of the Niger Coast Protectorate in a white disc.

North Borneo

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of North Borneo (1882–1902).svg 1882–1902 North Borneo A blue ensign defaced with the badge of the North Borneo Chartered Company.
Civil Ensign of North Borneo (1882–1902).svg 1882–1902 North Borneo (Civil Ensign) A red ensign defaced with the badge of the North Borneo Chartered Company.
Flag of North Borneo (1902–1946).svg 1902–1948 North Borneo A blue ensign defaced with the badge of the North Borneo Chartered Company.
Civil Ensign of North Borneo (1902–1946).svg 1902–1948 North Borneo (Civil Ensign) A red ensign defaced with the badge of the North Borneo Chartered Company.
Flag of North Borneo (1948–1963).svg 1948–1963 North Borneo A blue ensign defaced with the new badge of Crown Colony of North Borneo.

Nova Scotia

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of Nova Scotia.svg 1858– Nova Scotia A blue saltire on a white field with the Royal Arms of Scotland in the centre. An unofficial banner of arms first used by the public in 1858, based on the then-disused 1625 arms of Nova Scotia. The Union Flag was Nova Scotia's official flag both before and after joining Canada in 1867. The 1625 arms were officially restored in 1929, and widely used as flag thereafter, but not officially adopted as the provincial flag until 2013.

Nyasaland

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of Nyasaland (1914–1919).svg 1914–1919 Nyasaland A blue ensign defaced with the coat-of-arms of Nyasaland within a white circle.
Flag of Nyasaland (1919–1925).svg 1919–1925 Nyasaland A blue ensign defaced with a larger version of the coat-of-arms of Nyasaland.
Flag of Nyasaland (1925–1964).svg 1925–1964 Nyasaland A blue ensign defaced with the coat-of-arms of Nyasaland.

Orange River Colony

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of Orange River Colony.svg 1900–1910 Orange River Colony A blue ensign defaced with a springbok antelope in a disc

Palestine

Flag Date Use Description
Palestine-Mandate-Ensign-1927-1948.svg 1927–1948 British Mandate of Palestine A red ensign defaced with the word Palestine inside a white disc, for use by ships registered in the territory. The Union Jack was used as the general land flag of the mandate.

Territory of Papua

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of the Territory of Papua.svg 1906–1949 Territory of Papua A blue ensign defaced with a crown and the word Papua underneath inside a white disc.

Penang

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of Penang (1946-1949).svg 1946–1949 Penang A blue ensign defaced with the pre-1985 lesser arms of Penang.

Pitcairn Islands

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of the Pitcairn Islands.svg 1984– Pitcairn Islands A blue ensign defaced with the coat of arms of the Pitcairn Islands.

Province of Canada

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg 1841–1867 Province of Canada The Flag of the United Kingdom.

Qatar

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of Qatar (1860–1916, 1916–1932).svg 1916–1932 Qatar Protectorate A white band on the hoist side, separated from a red area on the fly side by ten white triangles which act as a serrated line.
Flag of Qatar (1932–1936).svg 1932–1936 Qatar Protectorate A white band on the hoist side, separated from a maroon area on the fly side by eight white triangles which act as a serrated line.
Flag of Qatar (1936-1949).svg 1936–1949 Qatar Protectorate A nine-pointed serrated edge, diamonds and the word "Qatar".
Flag of Qatar (1949–1971).svg 1949–1971 Qatar Protectorate A white band on the hoist side, separated from a maroon area on the fly side by nine white triangles which act as a serrated line.

Queensland Colony

Flag Date Use Description
Queensland Separation Flag.svg 1859 Queensland Colony On 10 December 1859, "a light blue flag with a red St George's Cross and union in the corner" (now known as the Queensland Separation Flag) was flown in Brisbane to mark Queensland's separation from New South Wales.
Flag of Queensland (1870–1876).svg 1870–1876 Queensland Colony A blue ensign defaced but no Badge present. In its place was a profile of Queen Victoria on a blue disc surrounded by a white annulus on which the word "Queensland" was inscribed in gold.
Flag of Queensland.svg 1876–1901 Queensland Colony British Blue Ensign defaced with the state badge on a white disc in the fly. The badge is a light blue Maltese Cross with an imperial crown in the centre of the cross. This flag is still currently used as the state flag of Queensland.

Saint Christopher-Nevis-Anguilla

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of St. Christopher-Nevis-Anguilla (1958-1967).svg 1958–1967 Saint Christopher-Nevis-Anguilla A blue ensign with the emblem of the territory in the fly.
Flag of Saint Christopher-Nevis-Anguilla.svg 1967–1983 Saint Christopher-Nevis-Anguilla A vertical tricolour of green, yellow and blue with a black palm tree in the centre.

Saint Helena and Dependencies

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of Saint Helena (1874-1984).svg 1874–1984 Saint Helena and Dependencies A blue ensign defaced with the triangular coat of arms of Saint Helena.

Saint Lucia

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of Saint Lucia (1875-1939).svg 1875–1939 Saint Lucia A blue ensign defaced with the emblem of Saint Lucia.
Flag of Saint Lucia (1939–1967).svg 1939–1967 Saint Lucia A blue ensign defaced with the emblem of Saint Lucia.
Flag of Saint Lucia (1967–1979).svg 1967–1979 Saint Lucia A cerulean blue field with a gold triangle in front of a black isosceles triangle outlined in white in the centre.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (1877-1907).svg 1877–1907 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines A blue ensign defaced with the coat of arms of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Flag of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (1907-1979).svg 1907–1979 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines A blue ensign defaced with the coat of arms of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Seychelles

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of Seychelles (1903–1961).svg 1903–1961 Seychelles A Blue Ensign defaced with a palm tree and a tortoise aside encircled .
Flag of Seychelles (1961–1976).svg 1961–1976 Seychelles A Blue Ensign defaced with the legend "Seychelles" on top a palm tree and a tortoise below encircled.

Sierra Leone

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of Sierra Leone (1889–1914).svg 1889–1914 Sierra Leone A Blue Ensign defaced with an elephant and the initials S.L. encircled.
Flag of Sierra Leone (1916–1961).svg 1916–1961 Sierra Leone A Blue Ensign defaced with the coat of arms of Sierra Leone inside a white disc.

South Australia Colony

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of South Australia (1870–1876).svg 1870–1876 South Australia Colony A blue ensign defaced with a black disc in the fly containing the Southern Cross and the two pointers (Alpha and Beta Centauri).
Flag of South Australia (1876–1904).svg 1876–1901 South Australia Colony A blue ensign defaced with a badge design of an artistic rendition of the arrival of Britannia (a woman in flowing garb and holding a shield, representing the new settlers) meeting an Aboriginal person sitting with a spear on a rocky shoreline.

South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (1992-1999).svg 1992–1999 South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands A Blue Ensign defaced with the Coat of arms of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands inside a white disc.

South Africa

  • Note: South Africa formally became a country independent from the United Kingdom in 1931 after formally adopting the Statute of Westminster.
Flag Date Use Description
South Africa Flag 1910-1912.svg 1910–1912 Union of South Africa A red ensign defaced with the shield-of-arms of the Union of South Africa inside a white disc. This South Africa Red Ensign was South Africa's de facto national flag between 1910 and 1928 and was flown at times from Government buildings despite it only being officially used between 1910 and 1912.
Blue Ensign of South Africa (1910–1912).svg 1910–1928 Union of South Africa A blue ensign defaced with the shield-of-arms of the Union of South Africa The Blue Ensign was flown over the Union's offices abroad between 1910 and 1928.
Red Ensign of South Africa (1912-1951).svg 1912–1928 Union of South Africa The design of the Red Ensign was modified slightly in 1912 when the shield was placed on a white disc so as to make it more distinguishable. The Red Ensign continued to be used as the flag of the South African merchant marine until 1951.
Flag of South Africa 1928-1994.svg 1928–1961 Union of South Africa A flag based on the Prince's Flag, with three smaller flags centred in the white stripe. The smaller flags were the Union Jack towards the hoist, the flag of Orange Free State hanging vertically and the Transvaal Vierkleur towards the fly. This flag continued to be used by the Republic of South Africa until 1994.

Rhodesia (Northern & Southern)

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of BSAC.svg 1890–1924
(1890–1924 Northern)
(1890–1923 Southern)
Rhodesia A Union Jack with a lion holding ivory and initials of the British South Africa Company in the centre.
Flag of Northern Rhodesia (1939–1964).svg 1924–1964 Northern Rhodesia A blue ensign defaced with the shield-of-arms of Northern Rhodesia.
Flag of Southern Rhodesia (1923-1964).svg 1923–1953
1968–1980
Southern Rhodesia A blue ensign defaced with the shield-of-arms of Southern Rhodesia.
Flag of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland (1953–1963).svg 1953–1963 Rhodesia and Nyasaland A blue ensign defaced with the shield-of-arms of Rhodesia and Nyasaland.
Flag of Rhodesia (1964–1968).svg 1964–1968 Southern Rhodesia A light blue ensign defaced with the shield-of-arms of Southern Rhodesia.
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg 1979–1980 Southern Rhodesia Flag of the United Kingdom.

Sarawak

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of the Kingdom of Sarawak (1870).svg 1870–1946 Flag of the Sarawak Protectorate A cross, half black and half red, on yellow based on shield-of-arms of Sarawak.
Flag of Sarawak (1946–1963).svg 1946–1963 Sarawak A blue ensign defaced with the shield-of-arms of Sarawak.

Singapore

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of Singapore (1946–1952).svg 1946–1952 Singapore A blue ensign defaced with a white disc containing a Tudor crown within a red inverted pall.
Flag of Singapore (1952–1959).svg 1952–1959 Singapore A blue ensign defaced with a white disc containing Saint Edward's crown within a red inverted pall.
Flag of Singapore.svg 1959–1963 Singapore A horizontal bicolour of red and white, defaced in the canton with a white Malay crescent moon and a pentagon of five white Chinese stars. Still used as the national flag of the Republic of Singapore.

Egypt

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of Anglo-Egyptian Sudan.svg 1922–1956 Anglo-Egyptian Sudan The Flag of the Kingdom of Egypt and the Union Jack used simultaneously.

Tanganyika

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of Tanganyika (1923–1961).svg 1919–1961 Tanganyika A red ensign defaced with the head of a giraffe in a white disc.

Tasmania Colony

Flag Date Use Description
1875 flag of Tasmania.svg 1875 Tasmania Colony A white cross on a blue field, in the canton was the Union Flag, and in the fly was five five-pointed stars of the Southern Cross.
Flag of Tasmania.svg 1876–1901 Tasmania Colony A defaced blue ensign with the state badge located in the fly. The badge is a white disc with a red lion passant in the centre of the disc. Still currently used as the state flag of Tasmania.

Jordan

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of Jordan.svg 1921–1946 Transjordan (British Mandate of Jordan) Flag of the Emirate of Transjordan.

Transvaal Colony

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of the Transvaal Colony 1904–1910.svg 1900–1910 Transvaal A blue ensign defaced with a disc showing a lion lying on an African plain with palm trees.

Trinidad and Tobago

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of Trinidad and Tobago (1889–1958).svg 1889–1958 Trinidad & Tobago A Blue Ensign defaced with a circular badge depicting a ship arriving in front of a mountain.
Ensign of Trinidad and Tobago 1889-1958.svg 1889–1958 Trinidad & Tobago (Civil Ensign) A Red Ensign defaced with a circular badge depicting a ship arriving in front of a mountain.
Flag of Trinidad and Tobago (1958–1962).svg 1958–1962 Trinidad & Tobago A Blue Ensign defaced with a escutcheon depicting a ship arriving in front of a mountain.
Ensign of Trinidad and Tobago (1958–1962).svg 1958–1962 Trinidad & Tobago (Civil Ensign) A Red Ensign defaced with a escutcheon depicting a ship arriving in front of a mountain.

Tuvalu

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of Tuvalu (1976–1978).svg 1976–1978 Tuvalu A blue ensign defaced with a circular badge with a hut and the motto of Tuvalu.

Turks and Caicos Islands

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of the Turks and Caicos Islands (1889–1968).svg 1889–1968 Turks and Caicos Islands A blue ensign defaced with the former coat of arms of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Flag of the Turks and Caicos Islands (1968-1999).svg 1968–1999 Turks and Caicos Islands A blue ensign defaced with the coat of arms of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Trucial States

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of Sharjah.svg 1820–various Trucial States Trucial Maritime flag
Flag of Ajman.svg 1936–various Trucial States Trucial Maritime flag
Flag of the Trucial States.svg 1964–1971 Trucial States Unofficial flag of the Trucial States Council

Uganda

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of the Uganda Protectorate.svg 1914–1962 Uganda A blue ensign defaced with a grey crowned crane inside a disc.

Upper Canada

Flag Date Use Description
Red Ensign of Great Britain (1707-1800).svg 1791–1801 Upper Canada The Red Ensign of Great Britain.
Civil Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg 1801–1841 Upper Canada The Red Ensign of the United Kingdom.

Victoria Colony

Flag Date Use Description
Victorian blue ensign.svg 1870–1877 Victoria Colony A defaced British Blue Ensign with the Southern Cross located in the fly. The stars of the Southern Cross were white and had 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 points with only the leftmost and rightmost stars having one point pointing to the top of the flag.
Flag of Victoria (1877).svg 1877 Victoria Colony A defaced British Blue Ensign with the stars of the southern cross from then on having 5, 6, 7, 7 and 8 points in a white disc.
Flag of Victoria (1877-1901).svg 1877–1901 Victoria Colony A defaced British Blue Ensign with the stars of the southern cross from then on having 5, 6, 7, 7 and 8 points.

Weihaiwei

Flag Date Use Description
British Weihaiwei flag.svg 1903–1930 Weihaiwei A Blue Ensign defaced with two Mandarin ducks by a pond inside a disc.

Western Australia Colony

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of Western Australia (1870–1953).svg 1870–1901 Western Australia Colony A Blue Ensign defaced with a swan in a yellow disc. The flag was still used as the state flag until 1953.

Western Samoa

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of New Zealand.svg 1914–1920 Western Samoa The flag of New Zealand was used during the control of NZ-forces.
Flag of the Samoa Trust Territory.svg 1922–1962 Western Samoa A Blue Ensign defaced with three palm trees encircled.
Ensign of the Samoa Trust Territory.svg 1922–1962 Western Samoa (Civil Ensign) A Red Ensign defaced with three palm trees encircled. Used at sea.

West Indies Federation

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of the West Indies Federation.svg 1958–1962 West Indies Federation It has four equally-spaced narrow white stripes with a large orange-gold disc over the middle two lines in the centre of the flag, undulating horizontally across a blue field.

Zanzibar

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of Zanzibar Under British Rule.svg 1896–1963 Zanzibar A red flag used during the British protectorate.

Historical governors' flags

Flag Date Use Description
Flag of the Governor-General of Canada (1869-1901).svg 1869–1901 Flag of the governor-general of Canada A Union Jack, defaced with a white circle, at the centre of which is the crowned shield of arms of Canada in 1869, surrounded by a wreath of green maple leaves.
Flag of the Governor-General of Canada (1901-1921).svg 1901–1921 Flag of the governor-general of Canada A Union Jack, defaced with a white circle, at the centre of which is the crowned shield of arms of Canada in 1869, surrounded by a wreath of green maple leaves.
Flag of the Governor-General of Canada (1921–1931).svg 1921–1931 Flag of the governor-general of Canada A Union Jack, defaced with a white circle, at the centre of which is the crowned shield of arms of Canada in 1921, surrounded by a wreath of stylize green maple leaves.
Flag of the Governor of New Zealand (1868–1874).svg 1869–1874 Flag of the governor of New Zealand A Union Jack defaced with four white stars in the form of a cross. This design was due to a misinterpretation of design instructions.
Flag of the Governor of New Zealand (1874-1908).svg 1874–1908 Flag of the governor of New Zealand A Union Jack defaced with a white circle with four red stars and the initial 'NZ' in the center. The whole surrounded by a green wreath.
Flag of the Governor of New Zealand (1908–1936).svg 1908–1936 Flag of the governor of New Zealand A Union Jack defaced with a white circle with four red stars and the initial 'NZ' in the center. The whole surrounded by a wreath of fern.
British Ceylon Governor flag.svg 1875–1948 Flag of the governor of Ceylon A Union Jack defaced with the badge of Ceylon.
Flag of the Governor of Malta (1875–1898).svg 1875 – c. 1898 Flag of the governor of Malta A Union Jack defaced with the Badge of Malta.
Flag of the Governor of Malta (1898–1943).svg c. 1898 – 1943 Flag of the governor of Malta A Union Jack defaced with the Badge of Malta.
Flag of the Governor of Malta (1943–1964).svg 1943–1964 Flag of the governor of Malta A Union Jack defaced with the Badge of Malta.
Flag of the Governor of Jamaica (1875–1906).svg 1875–1906 Flag of the governor of Jamaica A Union Jack defaced with the Badge of Colonial Jamaica.
Flag of the Governor of Jamaica (1906–1957).svg 1906–1957 Flag of the governor of Jamaica A Union Jack defaced with the Badge of Colonial Jamaica.
Flag of the Governor of Jamaica (1957–1962).svg 1957–1962 Flag of the governor of Jamaica A Union Jack defaced with the Badge of Colonial Jamaica.
Flag of the Governor of Jamaica (1962).svg 1962 Flag of the governor of Jamaica A Union Jack defaced with the Badge of Colonial Jamaica.
Flag of the Governor of Fiji (1877–1883).svg 1877–1883 Flag of the governor of Fiji A Union Jack defaced with a white disc in the centre surrounded by a laurel wreath and containing a badge of foliage and crossed war-clubs with a superimposed shield bearing a mermaid looking at herself in a hand mirror.
Flag of the Governor of Fiji (1883–1903).svg 1883–1903 Flag of the governor of Fiji A Union Jack defaced with a white disc in the centre surrounded by a laurel wreath and containing a Saint Edward's Crown surmounted by a crowned lion with the word "FIJI" beneath it.
Flag of the Governor of Fiji (1903–1908).svg 1903–1908 Flag of the governor of Fiji A Union Jack defaced with a white disc in the centre surrounded by a laurel wreath and containing a Tudor Crown surmounted by a crowned lion with the word "FIJI" beneath it.
Flag of the Governor of Fiji (1908–1970).svg 1908–1970 Flag of the governor of Fiji A Union Jack defaced with the full coat of arms of Fiji on a white disc surrounded by a laurel wreath in the centre.
Flag of the High Commissioner of Cyprus (1881–1905).svg 1881–1905 Flag of the high commissioner of Cyprus A Union Jack defaced with the letters "C.H.C".
Flag of the Governor of Cyprus (1905–1960).svg 1905–1960 Flag of the high commissioner and the governor of Cyprus A Union Jack defaced with two red lions.
Flag of the Governor of North Borneo (1882–1903).svg 1882–1903 Flag of the governor of North Borneo A yellow flag with lion in the centre pointing towards the right direction.
Flag of the Governor of North Borneo (1903–1915).svg 1903–1915 Flag of the governor of North Borneo A yellow flag with lion in the centre pointing towards the left direction.
Flag of the Governor of North Borneo (1915–1946).svg 1915–1946 Flag of the governor of North Borneo A Union Jack defaced with the Badge of North Borneo.
Flag of the Governor of North Borneo (1948–1963).svg 1948–1963 Flag of the governor of North Borneo Crown A Union Jack defaced with the Badge of North Borneo Crown Colony.
Flag of the Governor of British Honduras (1884–1981).svg 1994–1981 Flag of the governor of British Honduras A Union Jack defaced with the Badge of British Honduras. Also used on the Colony of the Bay Islands.
Flag of the Governor-General of India (1885–1947).svg 1885–1947 Flag used by the British governors-general, governors, lieutenant governors, chief commissioners and other British officers in India A Union Jack defaced with the Star of India surmounted by the Tudor Crown.
Flag of the Commissioner of Weihaiwei (1899-1903).svg 1899–1903 Flag of the commissioner of Weihaiwei A Union Jack defaced with Chinese dragon in a yellow disc.
Flag of the Commissioner of Weihaiwei (1903-1930).svg 1903–1930 Flag of the commissioner of Weihaiwei A Union Jack defaced with a pair of Mandarin ducks.
Flag of the Governor General of Australia (1902-1909).svg 1902–1909 Flag of the governor-general of Australia A Union Jack defaced with a six pointed star, surmounted with the Tudor Crown, surrounded by ears of corn and a gold circlet.
Flag of the Governor General of Australia (1909-1936).svg 1909–1936 Flag of the governor-general of Australia A Union Jack defaced with a seven pointed star, surmounted with the Tudor Crown, surrounded by ears of corn and a gold circlet.
Flag of the Governor of Seychelles (1903–1961).svg 1903–1961 Flag of the governor of Seychelles A Union Jack defaced with the Badge of Colonial Seychelles.
Flag of the Governor of Seychelles (1961–1976).svg 1961–1976 Flag of the governor of Seychelles A Union Jack defaced with the Badge of Colonial Seychelles
Flag of the Governor of the British Straits Settlements (1904–1946).svg 1904–1946 Flag of the governor of the Straits Settlements A Union Jack defaced with the badge of Straits Settlements.
Flag of the Governor of Mauritius (1906-1968).svg 1906–1968 Flag of the governor of Mauritius A Union Jack defaced with the Badge of Colonial Mauritius.
Flag of the Resident Commissioner of the British New Hebrides (1906–1952).svg 1906–1953 Flag of the resident commissioner of the British New Hebrides A Union Jack defaced with the badge of British New Hebrides.
Flag of the Resident Commissioner of the British New Hebrides (1952–1980).svg 1952–1980 Flag of the resident commissioner of the British New Hebrides A Union Jack defaced with the badge of British New Hebrides.
Flag of the Governor of Hong Kong (1910–1955).svg 1910–1955 Flag flown on Government House, Hong Kong and the governor's official car during British rule A Union Jack defaced with the then Colonial Badge of Hong Kong.
Flag of the Governor of Hong Kong (1955–1959).svg 1955–1959 Flag flown on Government House, Hong Kong and the governor's official car during British rule A Union Jack defaced with the then Colonial Badge of Hong Kong.
Flag of the Governor of Hong Kong (1959-1997).svg 1959–1997 Flag flown on Government House, Hong Kong and the governor's official car during British rule A Union Jack defaced with the then Coat of arms of Hong Kong.
Flag of the Governor-General of South Africa (1910–1931).svg 1910–1931 Flag of the governor-general of the Union of South Africa A Union Jack defaced with the Coat of Arms of South Africa.
Flag of the Governor of Nigeria (1914–1952).svg 1914–1952 Flag of the governor(-general) of Nigeria A Union Jack defaced with the Badge of Nigeria.
Flag of the Governor of Nigeria (1952–1960).svg 1952–1960 Flag of the governor(-general) of Nigeria A Union Jack defaced with the Badge of Nigeria.
Flag of the Governor of Nyasaland (1914–1925).svg 1914–1964 Flag of the governor of Nyasaland A Union Jack defaced with the badge of Nyasaland.
Flag of the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland.svg 1921–1922 Flag of the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland A Union Flag defaced with an Irish Harp.
Flag of the Governor of Northern Ireland (1922-1973).svg Until 1973 Personal flag of the governor of Northern Ireland A Union Jack defaced with the Coat of arms of Northern Ireland.
Flag of the Governor-General of the Anglo-Egyptian Sudan.svg 1922–1956 Flag of the governor-general of the Sudan A Union Flag defaced with a white disc surrounded by a wreath of laurel. As no badge or coat of arms existed for Anglo-Egyptian Sudan, the disc instead contained the words "Governor General of the SUDAN".
Flag of the Governor of Southern Rhodesia (1924–1951).svg 1924–1951 Flag of the governor of Southern Rhodesia A Union Jack defaced with the shield from Coat of Arms of Southern Rhodesia.
Flag of the Governor of Southern Rhodesia (1951–1952).svg 1951–1952 Flag of the governor of Southern Rhodesia A blue flag with a Tudor Crown in the centre (in official proportions of 7:9).
Flag of the Governor of Southern Rhodesia (1952–1970).svg 1952–1965
(de jure 1952–1970)
Flag of the governor of Southern Rhodesia A blue flag withna St. Edward's Crown in the centre (in official proportions of 7:9).
Household flag of the Governor of Southern Rhodesia (1940–1952).svg 1940–1952 Household flag of the governor of Southern Rhodesia A red flag with a Tudor Crown in the centre, used as a car flag.
Household flag of the Governor of Southern Rhodesia (1952–1970).svg 1952–1965 Household flag of governor of Southern Rhodesia A red flag with the representation of the Zimbabwe Bird in yellow, used as a car flag.
Flag of the Lieutenant-Governor of Nova Scotia.svg 1929– Personal flag of the lieutenant governor of Nova Scotia A Union Jack defaced with the shield of the Arms of Her Majesty in Right of Nova Scotia surrounded by a circle of 18 green maple leaves.
Flag of the Governor of Northern Rhodesia (1939–1964).svg 1939–1964 Flag of the governor of Northern Rhodesia A Union Jack defaced with the shield from Coat of Arms of Northern Rhodesia.
Flag of the Governor of Sarawak (1946–1963).svg 1946–1963 Flag of the governor of Sarawak A Union Jack defaced with the Badge of Sarawak Crown Colony.
Flag of the Governor of Singapore (1946–1952).svg 1946–1952 Flag of the governor of Singapore A Union Jack defaced with the Badge of Singapore Crown Colony.
Flag of the Resident Commissioner of Basutoland.svg 1951–1966 Flag of the resident commissioner of Basutoland A Union Jack defaced with the badge of Basutoland.
Flag of the Governor-General of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland (1953–1963).svg 1953–1963 Flag of the governor-general of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland A dark blue flag with the crest from the royal coat of arms of the United Kingdom at the top, and the words "Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland" on a golden scroll below.
British Resident of Zanzibar flag (1955-1963).svg 1955–1963 Flag of the British resident of Zanzibar A Union Jack defaced with a badge of sailboat that surmounted by a crown.
Flag of the Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario (1959-1965).svg 1959–1965 Flag of the lieutenant governor of Ontario The Canadian Red Ensign defaced by a disc bearing the shield of the Arms of Ontario surrounded by a chain of green maple leaves.
Flag of the Governor of Antigua and Barbuda (1967-1981).svg 1967–1981 Flag used by the British governor of Antigua and Barbuda A Union Jack defaced with the Coat of arms of Antigua and Barbuda.

Others

Flag Date Use Description
British East India Company flag.svg 1600–1858 Flag of the English/British East India Company Numerous white and red stripes (no set number) with the St George's Cross in the canton.
Flag of the British East India Company (1707).svg 1707–1800 Flag of the British East India Company Numerous white and red stripes with the Union Jack of Great Britain in the canton. Accepted to be one of the inspirations for the Grand Union Flag that eventually evolved into the current flag of the United States.
Flag of the British East India Company (1801).svg 1801–1858 Flag of the British East India Company Numerous white and red stripes with the Union Jack of the United Kingdom in the canton.
Hudson's Bay Company Flag (1682-1707).svg 1682–1707 Flag of the Hudson's Bay Company The English Red Ensign defaced with the initials of the company.
Hudson's Bay Company Flag (1707-1801).svg 1707–1801 Flag of the Hudson's Bay Company The pre-1801 Red Ensign defaced with the initials of the company.
Hudson's Bay Company Flag.svg c. 1801–1965 Flag of the Hudson's Bay Company A Red Ensign defaced with the initials of the company.
Flag of the North West Company Pre-1801.svg pre–1801 Flag of the North West Company The pre-1801 Red Ensign defaced with the initials of the company.
Flag of the North West Company Post-1801.svg c. 1801–1821 Flag of the North West Company A Red Ensign defaced with the initials of the company.
Flag of BSAC.svg 1889–1961 Flag of the British South Africa Company A Union Jack with the logo of the British South Africa Company in the middle.
Blue Ensign of the British South Africa Company.svg 1889–1961 Ensign of the British South Africa Company A Blue Ensign defaced with the Symbol of the British South Africa Company.
Flag of the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland.svg 1801–1922 Flag of the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland The Union Jack defaced with the Coat of Arms of Ireland.
Green Ensign (1701).svg c. 1701–post 1800 Green Ensign An unofficial merchant navy flag consisting of a green field with an earlier version of the golden harp and the Flag of England in the canton, no record of its actual use.
Green Ensign.svg Post 1800–c. 1922 Green Ensign An unofficial merchant navy flag consisting of green field with golden harp and the Union Jack in the canton, no record of its actual use.
Flag of the British Empire Exhibition.svg Post 1910–c. 1945 Flag of the British Empire An unofficial flag of the British Empire featuring its constituent dominions and India. Its origins are unclear, but it could not have been in use until after 1910 when South Africa was granted a coat of arms. Flown by civilians throughout the empire during the interwar period for the British Empire Exhibition and Empire Day. It is currently still in use at the Dangarsleigh War Memorial.

See also

kids search engine
Historical flags of the British Empire and the overseas territories Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.