Display of naval flags on Her Majesty’s Canadian ships over time

The three main positions for flags on a Canadian warship are:

Evolution of the Canadian Naval “suit of colours”

The following outlines the various flags flown by Canadian warships to indicate their Canadian nationality since 1910:

• Canadian Naval Ensign
  • The Naval Ensign is flown at the masthead while at sea, or at the stern when alongside, moored or at anchor.
• Canadian Naval Jack
  • The Naval Jack is flown at the bow when alongside, moored or at anchor.
• Commissioning Pennant
  • Flown from the masthead, the Commissioning Pennant is hoisted on the day a warship is commissioned and is displaced only by the personal flag of the Sovereign or senior officer when embarked.

2013

On May 5, 2013, the RCN restored a standard Commonwealth naval practice and adopted a distinctive Canadian Naval Ensign. The National Flag was also adopted as the Naval Jack.

Early 1990s to 2013

In the early 1990s, the RN style Commissioning Pennant was phased out in favour of a new Canadian designed Commissioning Pennant (Maple Leaf).

1968 until early 1990s

In 1968, a new distinctive Canadian Naval Jack was adopted which incorporated the Maple Leaf flag in its canton.

1957-1965

A new Blue Ensign with red maple leaves at the base of the shield was adopted by the Government of Canada, and adopted by the RCN as the Canadian Naval Jack.

1922-1957

A new Blue Ensign with a shield of the new coat of Arms was introduced by the Government of Canada, and adopted by the RCN as the Canadian Naval Jack.

1911-1922

In December 1911, the RCN adopted the RN White Ensign as the Canadian Naval Ensign and the Canadian Government Blue Ensign as the Canadian Naval Jack.

1910-1911

The Naval Service of Canada, later known as the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN), flew the Canadian Government Blue Ensign and the Union Jack. The Royal Navy (RN) Commissioning Pennant (cross of St. George) was also adopted.