FRENCH REPUBLIC

CURRENT NAVAL ENSIGNS & FLAGS

The blue-white-red Tricolor, first adopted as the national flag of France in 1794, serves as the contemporary French Republic's naval ensign and jack. Tricolors for use at sea are made with stripes of unequal width (30:33:37 proportions); this is supposed make them look equal in width when viewed from a distance at sea. A special "Honor Jack" may also be worn by French warships. Originally it was authorized for naval vessels that had served in the Free French Navy (FNFL) during World War II; today it is authorized for any warship that bears the same name as an FNFL vessel. The Honor Jack displays the symbol of Free France, the Cross of Lorraine. Most appointment and rank flags of the French Navy (Marine nationale) are based on the Tricolor. Technically Admiral of France is not a rank but an honorary title granted for distinguished service, corresponding to Marshal of France in the Army. Other admirals have tricolor flags with stars corresponding to rank. As is the case with Army and Air Force generals, the top two flag officer ranks (Fleet Admiral and Admiral) are appointments of Vice Admiral.  The number of stars on the flags correspond to the silver stars worn on the sleeves or shoulder straps of admirals' uniforms. Captains in command of naval groups fly a Tricolor broad pennant with a star in the hoist; Captains commanding ships who are also senior officers of naval groups fly the same broad pennant, but without the star. Senior officers of naval groups below the rank of Captain fly a triangular Tricolor pennant. Temporary commanding officers of naval groups and commanding officers of harbor guard ships fly triangular blue and white-blue pennants respectively. The former also serves as the senior officer's pennant.

BACK to FRANCE MODERN Page