Australian Ensigns: Symbols of Rich History, Culture, and Identity

 Australia is a country that’s got a rich history, culture, and identity. As such, it’s understandable there are a variety of ensigns that represent the country, reflecting this richness of history, culture, and identity, as well as serving specific functions and conveying responsibilities. 

Ensign is another word for flag, originating from the Latin word “insignia” which translates to emblem or sign. Although ensign was previously used as such for denoting nationality on a ship, nowadays it’s a broader term used for flags flown on land too by government services. The beautiful Australian ensigns are true symbols of national pride, each designed with a unique meaning. 

The Blue Ensign - The Australian National Flag

source: media.aap.com.au

This national symbol was first flown in 1901, and formally recognised as the national flag in 1954. Its incredible design has the Union Jack, which is added to show Australia’s historical ties with Great Britain, followed by the seven-pointed Commonwealth Star that represents the six states of the country and the Northern Territory, plus the Southern Cross, the five stars on the right side representing the constellation visible from the southern hemisphere that carries significance in the Australian identity.

The Red Ensign - The Civil Maritime Flag

With the same design as the national flag, only differing in the background colour (red instead of blue), this Australian ensign flag is used as a civil maritime flag, flown by Australian-registered ships, private commercial and recreational vessels that aren’t part of the Royal Australian Navy. In the past, it was used on merchant vessels.

The White Ensign - The Royal Australian Navy Flag

This is part of the official Australian ensigns as it’s the official flag of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). It’s identical to the national flag with the difference being in the background colour - it’s white, which is why it’s called the white ensign. The Commonwealth Star is in navy blue, as is the Southern Cross constellation.

The Light Blue Ensign - The Royal Australian Air Force Flag

The flag with the light blue background belongs to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). First introduced in 1948, then undergoing changes over the years, like the notable one in 1982 made to look similar to the national flag, this Australian ensign flag today comes with the Union Jack in the upper left corner, and the Commonwealth Star and the Southern Cross constellation same as the national flag. 

In addition to the difference in the background colour, this flag also comes with a white and blue roundel (i.e. circular insignia) with a red kangaroo in the middle, used as a symbol that represents the Air Force’s identity. 

The Dark Blue Cross Ensign - The Civil Aviation Flag

At first, this flag looks similar to the national flag, but it has few notable differences - like the background colour being dark blue, and the Commonwealth Star in yellow, plus the dark blue cross in white fimbriation across, dividing the flag in four quarters. 

These changes were made so that it would appear different from the official military and national flags. It was used by the civil aviation since 1935 at airports and civil aviation organisations, though nowadays it’s becoming a less common appearance.

The Stripe Ensign - The Australian Defence Force Flag

Notably different from the other flags, this one comes in three stripes, added to represent the three services of the Australian Defence Force. The first, the dark blue stripe, represents the Royal Australian Navy, followed by the red representing the Australian Army, and the light blue representing the Royal Australian Air Force. 

There’s another detail which further emphasises the symbolism, which is the emblem in the centre of the flag, with the crossed swords representing the army, the anchor representing the navy, and the eagle representing the air force. Lastly, there are the Commonwealth Star and the boomerang added over and under the emblem respectively to represent Australia.

The Australian Border Force Flag

Same as the national flag, with the only difference being in the additional words added in white between the Commonwealth Star and the Southern Cross, “Australian Border Force,” this is the flag used on the ships and aircraft by the Australian Border Force. Its use and design are set out under the Customs Act 1901 and the Customs Regulations 2015. 

The Australian Federal Police Flag

Predominantly black, this is a flag consisting of three vertical stripes, the one in the middle being white, and the other two around it being in black. It was first adopted in 1981 by the Australian Federal Police as a flag flown on the Australian Federal Police buildings. The central stripe has the badge of the Australian Federal Police with the Commonwealth Star, the Crown, and the Commonwealth Coat of Arms. Also, this flag has narrow black and white checker on all four of the edges, representing police services around the world.