Union Flag/ Jack

[carlton23]

On `The One Show` this evening a reference was made to the `Union Flag` several times as `The Union Jack` when it wasn`t being flown from a warship flagpole. Am I correct in saying this?

[Buenchico]

I've always been taught that the Union Flag only becomes the Union Jack when it's flown from a ship's jack-staff, but a well-written article on Wikipedia makes it clear that it's not really as simple as that.

See under 'Terminology', here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Union_Flag

Chris

[TCL-MUMPING]

I've not seen the One Show for a while so I've no idea if you are correct.

However regarding the name of the flag
http://flagspot.net/flags/gb.html#nam

It is often stated that the Union Flag should only be described as the Union Jack when flown in the bows of a warship, but this is a relatively recent idea. From early in its life the Admiralty itself frequently referred to the flag as the Union Jack, whatever its use, and in 1902 an Admiralty Circular announced that Their Lordships had decided that either name could be used officially. Such use was given parliamentary approval in 1908 when it was stated that "the Union Jack should be regarded as the National flag".

[factor-fiction]

I thought I was a pedant but this is one topic where I don't care what people call the flag. People call it the Union Jack more than they call it the Union Flag and I don't see the former can cause any confusion.

[carlton23]

My thanks to all.

[SurreyGuy]

I seem to remember reading once that the Union Flag is square/rectangular, but that the Union Jack was triangular.

However, I can't find said article now! :o(

One thing that does annoy me is when I see the flag in question flown upside down (usually in ignorance as opposed to deliberately!)!