Why would British ships fly American flags?

The battle ensign was seen as an important element for the morale of the crew and was held in high regard. If a warship was sinking and had to be abandoned, flags such as the battle ensigns would be taken off the ship before it sank and were entrusted to the senior (surviving) officer.

Do the Royal Navy still use semaphore?

Flag signalling with a pair of “semaphore-flags” was named after the Mechanical Arm telegraph which the British had called the Semaphore. It remains in use today and of all the codes sent by flag(s) has proved the most popular.

Why does the Navy fly the Union Jack?

According to the order, U.S. Navy ships will return to flying the union jack on June 4th to help foster a fighting spirit. The date for reintroduction of the union jack commemorates the greatest naval battle in American history: the Battle of Midway, which began June 4, 1942.

Why was the Navy Jack flag created?

Conceived by Commodore Hopkins in 1775, the First Navy Jack is shown as having 13 alternating red and white stripes with an uncoiled rattlesnake and the “Don’t Tread on Me” motto. It was first used as a signal to engage the enemy.

What are Navy flags called?

ensign
An ensign is the national flag flown on a vessel to indicate nationality. The ensign is the largest flag, generally flown at the stern (rear) of the ship while in port.

Do navies still use Morse code?

The US Navy and Coast Guard still use signal lamps to communicate via Morse Code.

Who had the largest navies in ww2?

Main Navies