Naval ensign facts for kids

A naval ensign is a special flag that warships use to show which country they belong to. You might also hear it called a war ensign. It's like a ship's ID card, telling everyone who owns it.

A naval ensign on a British warship.

Naval ensigns are usually flown at the back of a ship. It's an important tradition! Some countries use their regular national flag on their warships. For example, the United States uses its national flag on all its naval ships. But other countries have a unique naval ensign that looks different from their national flag. Britain is one example; they have a special white flag with a red cross for their navy.

Images for kids

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  Russian Project 775 landing ship Korolev. Notice the Russian naval jack at the front and the naval ensign at the rear.

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  Romania (1948–1952)

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  Ukrainian State (1918)

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  Ukraine (Sea Guard) (1993-2001)