Something about the flag

[texastoast]

I didn't know. I saw it on a car upside down the other day. I found out later that ships in distress used to fly their flag upside down to indicate they needed help and to attract attention (I bet this trick was used by pirates, I mean British privateers, as well).

We all need to be flying our flags upside down.

[texpatriot2004]

1. You are right SOS US in Distress. n/t

[enigami]

2. Yes

Anyone ever in the military knows this. Many on DU use as an avatar.

[arwalden]

3. The Union Jack Cannot Be Flown Upside Down, Can It?

The Japanese flag can't be flown upside-down. The Thai flag can't be flown upside down. The French flag too.

Canada's flag... you'd have to look carefully if it were fluttering in the wind. Germany... Hmmm... does the black stripe go on the bottom or the top?

[Richardo]

4. Ships from those countries are SOL

That's why they're not world powers anymore. No way to call for help in case of pirates.

[texastoast]

5. Point

Was the Jack the Jack during pirate days?

[Fenris]

6. a "jack" is the small flag on the end of ship

Union Jack refers to the flag of the British Empire flown off the jackstaff on sea vessels. To answer your question, the first flag of Union was developed in 1606 and incorporated the St. George's Cross of England (red and white) and St. Andrew's Cross of Scotland (blue and white). The Union jack as it exists today has only been in use since 1801, when the Irish Cross of St. Patrick (red and white) was added on top of (and slightly off center) the Cross of St. Andrew.

So, yes.

[SouthoftheBorderPaul]

7. Yawn....

Tell me something I don't know!