Flags of RMS Olympic and RMS Titanic

Introduction

• The document aims to correct misinformation about the flags and flag protocols of the Titanic and Olympic.
• It is based on research through photographs, period documents, publications, and archival sources.

Blue and Red Ensigns

• The Blue Ensign was flown from the ensign staff at the stern during daylight hours to identify the ship’s nationality.
• Titanic flew the Blue Ensign, and Olympic normally did as well.
• The Red Ensign was also flown from the foremast when the ship was dressed in British waters.

Courtesy Ensigns

• The American and French ensigns were flown as courtesy flags when entering ports in the respective countries.
• The American ensign was flown at Southampton, Queenstown, and New York.
• The French ensign was flown entering Cherbourg.

White Star House Flag

• The White Star house flag flew from the mainmast from 8 AM to sunset.
• It is a tapered swallowtail flag with specific dimensions and proportions.

Royal Mail Pennant and US Mail Flag

• These flags indicated the ship’s status as a carrier of mails under contract to the British and US governments.
• The Royal Mail pennant flew when leaving Southampton and arriving at Cherbourg, Queenstown, and New York.
• The US Mail pennant flew when leaving New York and arriving at Plymouth, Cherbourg, and Southampton.

Pilot Jack and Blue Peter

• The Pilot Jack, a Union Jack with a white border, was used to dress the bow of a ship in merchant service.
• The Blue Peter flag signalled “Am About to Sail” and was flown briefly before departure.

International Code Flags (Signal Flags)

• These flags were used to communicate various messages, including the ship’s distinguishing signal.
• Titanic’s assigned signal was HVMP, and Olympic’s was HSRP.

Pilot Flag

• The Pilot Flag indicated that a licensed pilot was aboard.
• It was not hoisted on Titanic upon her departure from Southampton, nor was it flown by Olympic during her maiden voyage.

Historical Note: 2nd Class Pilot Flag

• This flag was used by 2nd Class Pilots and is identical in appearance to the International Code Flag H.
• It is not known to have been flown by Olympic or Titanic.

Display of Flags at Sea

• Flags were flown according to specific protocols, with certain flags flown only during daylight hours or under specific conditions.
• The ensign at the stern was likely flown for the entire Atlantic crossing.

Flag Terminology

• Definitions and explanations of various flag-related terms, such as ensign, jack, dressed ship, and vexillology.

References

• The document cites various archival sources, books, signal manuals, newspapers, magazines, and internet sources used in the research.