|
Queen Anne Jack
FIRST UNION
FLAG:
The Union Flag originated in
1606 when the crosses of St. George (England)
and St. Andrew
(Scotland) were combined.
The
advent of Cromwell to power in 1649 brought about the use of the old red
Cross of St. George on a white background as the sole emblem of England.
This ensign goes back to the Crusades. It remained the leading device
until 1707, although other emblems were used in England between 1649 and
1707.
SECOND UNION
FLAG:
The
Second Union Flag of England & Scotland (same as the first) was proclaimed
by Queen Anne in 1707, thus the name, Queen Anne Jack. Although by custom,
it was commonly called the Queen Anne Jack, technically it was only the
"JACK" when flown at the bow on a jack staff of a naval ship.
Queen Jack in Australia: 1770-1801
On
the 26th January, 1788, the flag was raised at Sydney Cove
marking the beginning of white settlement in Australia. A replica of
Australia's first flag is flown continuously alongside the customs House
in Loftus Street Sydney. This is the site where Governor Phillip first
raised the flag in 1788. Captain James Cook R.N. had previously raised the
Queen Anne Jack at Botany Bay on 29th April, 1770 and at
Possession Island, near Cape York on 22nd August, 1770 where he
claimed the East Coast of Australia as British Territory.
THE RED ENSIGN
PRE: 1801
 Between
the years 1788 and 1801 this was the official merchant shipping flag of
Australia. All types of vessels engaged in commercial activities or used
for private purposes were privileged to wear this ensign. It
features a small Queen Anne Jack in the top corner next to the (Jack
Staff).
Some
naval vessels including H.M.S Endeavour and the 11 ships of the First
Fleet wore this flag.
Many history
books have a picture of Arthur Phillip raising the modern day Union Jack
of England. Australia used England's Union Jack from 1801 to 1901
(Federation)
Australian Flag
 The
Australian National Flag was adopted in 1901 at the time of Federation. It
consists of a blue ensign with six stars. The largest star, below the
Union Jack, is known as the Federation Star. This star has seven points
representing the six states of the Commonwealth and its territories. The
other five stars form the constellation of the Southern Cross.
 |
+
=
