Hi, mateys! I'm 99% done with my KGV for Dreadnoughts. Just need to do some touching up and paint the stand.

Since I've decided to leave off the rigging, I won't have any flags up. However, there are flagstaffs on the bow and fantail. What flags should I put here (if any)?

Not positive, but I'm reasonable certain that British practice is where we got US Navy practice. My son tells me that the forward staff would fly an ensign (in the US Navy that's the solid blue flag with the stars on it..) but that would ONLY be flown when the ship is at anchor. I'm almost certain the Royal Navy also has an ensign and does the same thing. Not sure about the one on the fantail.

I'm betting Rui knows!!

Tom

David,
It's my understanding that the after flagstaff would have the ensign (white background, red cross, union flag in top corner nearest staff), and the forward staff would have the union jack (properly called the "jack") but only when anchored. (I don't know if the jack would be flown if moored alongside. I would think so but...)
Tom

Thanks, guys. I'll go with the ensign on the stern. If anyone has anything more to add, please do, I'll check back.

BECC model flags do nice cotton ensigns in a variety of sizes, I reviewed them here

Don't they fly a big one off the rear mast?

The fantail flies the colors in port, underway, it's flying off the main mast. As soon as the ship is underway, the colors are shifted.

AHA! So that's how it works. Do all navies do it that way?

Don't know about other Navies, but that how the US Navy does it, Colors are again shifted as soon as the ship is tied up, or anchor dropped.

A good example is to watch the old classic "They Were Expendable", and watch closely and see how fast the colors get shifted on the PT boats.