Union Jack
Union Jack
Why is our British Flag called the "Union Jack"?
I know the "union" part means unity between the British Isles and beyond, inc Australia, etc, but what's the "jack" about - where did that come from & what does it mean, etc?
Yes, I know that Avondrow, I'm not stupid - I'm asking about the history of it's name
Firstly, it is perfectly legimimate to refer to the flag as the "Union Jack" whether it is flown from a warship or not. A resolution of Parliament in 1908 made it clear that "...the National Flag shall be the Union Jack...." The Admiralty has never expressed an official opinion.
It is commonly believed that the Union Jack is so called because it is flown from a "jackstaff". The US Navy also has a flag called the Union Jack when so flown. However, there is evidence that the flag was called a Jack in the navy of Charles II: about one hundred and fifty years before the jackstaff was invented. At that time, the term "jack" was used to describe a small version of something; much as we say "mini" today.
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British Union Jack (UK Great Britain) Country Flag: 3x5ft poly List Price: $14.99 Sale Price: $0.01 Average Rating:   |
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