Quite a few years back now we (42 foot yacht) were tied up to the quay at Poole and we espied 2 yachts with white ensigns. We watched as one went aground ignoring the channel. There are about 6 hours of mud there! The other tied up(?) alongside us. They were a set of P**s artists with who ray Henry voices and no idea of boat etiquette. Trampled across the bow and stern of our yacht late at night.

We were glad to see them go!
Roy

Right Oh Shippers Here Goes

Here goes

1. Most of you that answered got the answers 90% right - with one exception - the blue sign is NOT flown by the RFA !! it is in fact a defaced Blue Ensign - like many organisations that have an aphilation to the RN a lot of organisation fly the defaced Blue Ensign which normally has their cypher on the lower quadrant of the fly.
The Blue Ensing CAN be worn by merchant ship IF the Captain and a proportion of the Officers are members of the Royal Naval Reserve.
Strange to note however both ships and shore estalishments of the Royal Naval Reserve fly the White Ensign.

2. Now the one you have been waiting for.........

a. "You Have The Ship" - used when relieving someone of their Duty two examples in common use are listed below - the correct reply to this statement is "I Have The Ship"
Use One - when a new Captain is Relieving an Old one and is assuming Command - normally quite a sort process.
Use Two - When The Officer Of The Watch is changing and a correct hand over has been given by the off going OOW to the new OOW.

b. "You Have Conduct" - an order given by the Captain of the ship only to someone who is Command qualified(normally the XO) or occasionally to someone is is doing the Sea Riding bit of the Command Course to indicate that they have total command of the ship and responsibilty for the whole ship, crew and safe navigation, responsible for the safety of any ship bourne aircraft operations. In fact this can be given when the Captain leaves the ship for any purpose whilst it is underway.

3. The White Ensign can also be worn by members of the Royal Yatch Squadron - a very elite sailing club based on the Isle of Wight in Cowes, you cannot apply to join this club you are invited !! Membership normally restricted to the Noble Gentry, Senior Officers of the Armed Forces and MP's


That question was quite challenging, I would welcome any comments on the content.


Thanks


Pat

You have the ship = you are in charge of the ship. You have conduct = You have a good conduct record?
Any vessel The Sovereign is on board or is escorting The Sovereign..
9th July 1864, all RN ships ordered to fly the White Ensign. ( we had that a week or so ago...

Congratulations, Pat, the topic of flags is very interesting in general, especially for a navy with such a rich history.
I'm learning a lot from you.
Have any of you naval history enthusiasts ever delved into the history and origins of the British Navy's flag (the St. George's Cross) and its connections with the flag of the Maritime Republic of Genoa and the Crusades?

Nick are you going to have a stab at these ?

Yeah Pat,
Especially regarding #2 I expect.
'You Have Conduct' is a new one on me.
One lives and learns, I hope!
On #1 and #3 I reckon I'm on pretty firm ground.
Oh S.H.one.T. Sorry Cap'n, I did it again😔☹️

😎

Doug you are on the right track - I would have expected nothing else from a chap of your calibre.

However in my experience there are a few inaccuracies- I will not post the answers now - I will leave it till Saturday as I am away tomorrow - give others a chance to answer

#1 We've discussed this before😉
On the 09 July 1864, their Lordships in the Admiralty ruled that all serving Royal Navy Warships in commission, ship’s boats, and Royal Marines Craft will fly the White Ensign. It was also decreed that the flag would be flown in Naval Bases and Shore Establishments at home and abroad.
The White Ensign would become the Royal Navy’s official standard, and thus marking it apart from the British Merchant Navy, who fly the Red Ensign and the RFA who fly the Blue Ensign.
This marked the end of the RN division into White, Red and Blue Squadrons and associated Admirals.

#2 "You Have the Ship" can refer to the change of command when a new captain takes command, or when the CO leaves the bridge (for a pee or a rest break) and passes command to the senior officer on the bridge.
I can only assume that 'You Have Conduct' is the RN equivalent of the USN 'You have the Con', whereby when the CO leaves the bridge he passes executive navigational command of the ship to another officer, but subject to the direction of the senior Officer of the Watch.
#3 The White Ensign is primarily flown by Royal Navy vessels and establishments. However, there are exceptions. The Royal Yacht Squadron is entitled to fly it on their recreational boats, and the Trinity House vessel "Patricia" can fly it when escorting the Sovereign. Certain organisations, like the Royal Naval Reserve, may also be granted permission to fly it.
My two cents worth.😉
G'night All. Cheers, Doug😎
😎