KINGDOM OF THE NETHERLANDS
CURRENT NAVAL ENSIGNS, FLAGS & PENNANTS
The national flag of the Netherlands, a red-white-blue horizontal tricolor, originated in the sixteenth century, during the war for independence from Spain. The red stripe was originally orange, this being the livery color of William I, Prince of Orange, who led the rebellion against Spanish rule. In the seventeenth century red gradually replaced orange, and in 1796 the current flag was officially confirmed.
During the seventeenth century the Dutch Republic was a major European power, possessing a navy capable of contending with England for control of the English Channel. By the early eighteenth century, however, the Republic's glory years had passed. Nevertheless, it preserved a vibrant maritime tradition and maintained a large colonial empire in the Far East (the Netherlands East Indies, later Indonesia). The modern Royal Netherlands Navy (Koninklijke Marine), though small, has always been notable for the high quality and advanced design of its warships, all of which are built in Dutch yards.
The national flag of the Netherlands also serves as the naval ensign. The jack is based on the design of a seventeenth-century Dutch ensign. The naval reserve ensign, flown by merchant vessels whose masters are naval reserve officers, bears the badge of the Navy in black. The flag of the Navy is used ashore to designate naval installations and buildings. Appointment flags for the Secretary of Defense and the Chief of Defense are based on the "doubled" Dutch flag that was used in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.The rank flags for admirals and commodores are based on the ensign, with crossed batons for a full (five-star) admiral and six-pointed stars according to rank for other admirals. Two types of rank flags are authorized: command flags (shown), which are square, and rectangular (2:3) flags with the same insignia for admirals not exercising command. There is also a range of command pennants for officers in command who are below the rank of commodore, including a senior officer pennant.
The Netherlands Coastguard (Kustwacht Nederland) is administered by the Ministry of Defense and performs the usual coast guard missions on behalf of other government agencies, e.g. maritime law enforcement on behalf of the Ministry of Justice and Security.
Flag Proportions: The current Netherlands naval ensign and jack are made in 2:3 proportions.Images Added December 2023Appointment Flags, Minister of Defense & Inspector-General of the Armed Forces
