union flag diagram

[Elf]

Just a small technical point, it is only the Union Jack when flown at sea. On land it is the Union Flag.

Thank you for noting that. To expand on the point, a jack flag is flown from the jack staff at the bow. On the square riggers I sail, the jack staff may be on the spritcap (not the jibboom). It is usually near square (but not quite) while land flags and the ensign (national flag at the stern or gaff peak) are closer to 2:1. (And just to be annoying) most nations have a jack, the United States even terms theirs the Union Jack also: Blue field with the 50 white stars but no stripes. As a merchant vessel, I fly it only on holidays and "dress ship occasions". Is this also true of merchant vessels in the Commonwealth?

Also interesting to note that when the St Patrick's cross was added it should be equal in width to the St Andrew's, and the white fimbration taken off the field. However, as I understand, the navy supplier found it easier to mass produce fields of equal size and took the fimbration off the St Patrick's cross instead. This being the most numerous in the 19th century, became the de facto standard. I often see images of the Union Device from College of Heralds sources with the saltire crosses equal and the fimbration taken off the field. I cannot recall a flag using anything but navy proportions. Yes, all small points, but then that is what we do best around here. Thank you for your patience.

Well, appears HarveyH was proving me wrong as I was typing. My apologies to all.