CANADA CURRENT FLAGS

DOMINION OF CANADA

CURRENT MILITARY & NAVAL FLAGS

In 1965 Canada adopted a new national flag in place of the Canadian Red Ensign. The Maple Leaf Flag, as the new flag came to be nicknamed, also became Canada's naval ensign, replacing the British White Ensign. Between 1965 and 1968 it also served as the naval jack, replacing the Canadian Blue Ensign. A new jack was adopted in 1968: white with a canton of the national flag and the naval badge in the fly. Finally, on 5 May 2013 (Battle of the Atlantic Sunday), jack and ensign switched roles, this to provide the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) with a distinctive ensign.

Since 1965, a number of additional naval and military flags have been introduced. For the most part they follow British practice, displaying the national flag in the canton with various badges or insignia in the fly. The present Queen's Colour of the RCN was presented in 2018; it displays the national flag as a canton, the monogram of Queen Elizabeth II and the naval crown and anchor from the badge of the service. The monogram is the version used by the Queen in her capacity as Head of thr Commonwealth. With the Queen's death and the assession of King Charles III in 2022, this Queen's Colour will be replaced in due course by a King's Colour bearing the new monarch's monogram.

In theory, Canada's military establishment is unified; that is, there are no separate services, just functional commands. In practice unification has proved unpopular, and the separate identities of the ground, air and naval components of the armed forces (Canadian Army, Royal Canadian Air Force, Royal Canadian Navy) have recently been restored. This is reflected in the design of the current RCAF Ensign. The current Canadian Army Flag, adopted in 2016, displays the badge of the service on a white maple leaf of the style worn on Canadian Army uniforms in the past. In general, a conscious effort has been made to have current flags honor the traditions of the fighting services.

Rank flags are the same for generals, admirals and senior officers regardless of component. As shown, a badge may appear in the fly of these rank flags for commanding officers of major commands. For naval commanders, an alternate, semi-official set of rank flags exists: dark blue with from one to four gold maple leaves according to rank. The maple leaves are arranged as in the same manner as the stars on the rank flags of US Navy flag officers.

Flag Proportions: Current Canadian ensigns, jacks and military flags (other than regimental colors and flags) have 1:2 proportions. Rank and appointment flags are made in approximate 3:5 proportions.

Image Added January 2023

Queen's Colour of the Royal Canadian Navy