Ordnance Insignia of the British Army

The first known Ordnance Flag was the Flag Ordnance Ensign, approved in 1865. Consisting of a Blue Ensign with a plain Shield of the Board of Ordnance in heraldic colours in the fly. This flag is known to have been flown by the I.O.O. Malta above the Ordnance ‘dghaisa’ Boat between the two world wars.

Flag Ordnance Ensign - Blue Ensign with Ordnance Arms in heraldic colours in the fly. 6' x 4'

In 1878 the Flag Distinguishing Ordnance Pennant, A Blue Pennant with a Red roundel in the centre was introduced as a formal distinguishing mark of an Ordnance installation in the field. At some time prior to 1945, Corps units began to fly it at unit headquarters. This practice was forbidden from 1946 onwards.

Flag Distinguishing Ordnance Pennant 3' x 2'

The RAOC Regimental Flag with Corps Badge was until 1947 only authorised flag Hilsea. A Blue flag with Red diagonal stripes was issued to fly at static Ordnance and Ammunition Depots at home and overseas. With the Flag Distinguishing Ordnance Pennant being flown at Field Depots, Temporary Camps, or on Active Service. The usage of the Ordnance Ensign is at this time unknown.

Left - RAOC Corps Flag 1923 - Blue flag with seven diagonal Red stripes with Corps badge at centre. 6' x 4'

Right - RAOC Corps Flag , 1947 - Blue Ensign with Corps badge in full heraldic colours. 6' x 4'
Both Kings Crown & Queens Crown examples exist of the 1947 Pattern Flag
(Corps Badge is in full heraldic colours on both flags)

RAOC Corps Flag - 1962 (As illustrated in Corps Instruction N0 615)
This pattern remained in force till 1993 and amalgamation into the RLC

RAOC Association Banner with Yellow fringe 6' x 4'
(Corps Badge is in full heraldic colours)

Army Council Flag - 1905 onwards.

A number of Board of Ordnance, War Department, Naval Ordnance & Army Council Flags based on the old Board of Ordnance Arms exist. ‘Ordnance Flags’ Their Origin and Use Past and Present by Brigadier G.A. Viner OBE is a good reference booklet, on which this short article is based.

M Comerford - October 2004