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New Zealand Flag Institute |
GLOSSARY
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A flag flown to identify the
location, headquarters, or boundaries of a military unit or formation. Canton -
A rectangular or square
section of a flag, usually found in the upper hoist corner next to the staff.
Used to display a special design, such as a UNION FLAG. May also be used for
a plain rectangular FIELD filling that same area. Also called the FIRST QUARTER
and sometimes the UPPER HOIST. The place of honour in a flag. CAPTAIN'S PENNANT -
Another name for a
COMMISSIONING PENNANT. CHARGE-
A DEVICE, emblem, object, or
design superimposed on the FIELD(s) of a flag. See also BADGE. CHIEF -
The top part of the SHIELD of
a flag. CHURCH PENNANT -
A PENNANT made by joining the
flag of Saint George of England and the Dutch Tricolour. The earliest known
use of the Church Pennant is in the Additional
Instructions of 1778. There is a tradition that its use dates back a hundred years
further to the Dutch Wars of the 1600’s, when divine services were held in
ships of both sides before battle. In order that these services should not be
interrupted, a pennant, composed of the St. George's Cross and the Dutch
tricolour sewn together, was hoisted in all ships; it was not until it had
been hauled down in all ships that the battle would commence. Still worn on
naval vessels during religious services. CIVIL ENSIGN -
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