***Where am I now?*** (game)

The flag on my avatar is the Union Flag (sometimes erroneously called the Union Jack) of the United Kingdom. It consists of the English flag of St George (shown above) superimposed on the diagonal red cross of Saint Patrick (patron saint of Ireland)...which is superimposed on the diagonal white cross of Saint Andrew (patron saint of Scotland). The Scottish flag has a blue background so, put all together, they make the UK's national flag. For some reason, Wales is not represented on the flag. I think that's probably because it's a principality only.

tomd wrote in post #3664472
Did you use Google images or something else?

Also, I feel really stupid for not knowing the symbol in your flag. These damn US schools would rather teach wood shop than history! After today, I'll always know St. George. I didn't mean to insult your flag! Sorry if I did.

Maybe someday I'll have a trivia question about this and I'll know the answer.

Roy Mathers wrote in post #3664511
I just used Google, tom, not images.

At least you know who the patron saint of England is and what the English flag represents No offence taken, by the way

I have no idea about the location image but if the flag being 'mentioned' is the avatar one surely that is the Union Flag that incorporates the Cross of St George (for England) and the "crosses" of St Andrews or Saltire (for Scotland) & St Patricks (for Northern Ireland). The Union Flag is often refered to incorrectly as the Union Jack but has become 'common usage', AFAIK the "Jack" flag is one flown on the stern flag mast on ships of Her Majestys Royal Navy hence Union Jack.

Someone please correct me if I have thought wrongly these many decades

Hi Roy

I type too slowly, our posts timed 'together'

ROFL - Like the new avatar, Tom.

I've no idea where the picture is which is probably a good thing as I need to go get some sleep now.

One of these days I'll see another I can guess at. And I've dropped the Steam Clock in Vancouver from my list of useable shots, too

Tom - I've just seen your new avatar and couldn't stop laughing. I think it's wonderful - and shows that you have a great sense of humour

Box Brownie wrote in post #3664836
Hi Roy

I type too slowly, our posts timed 'together'

I must have beaten you by seconds (and at least we both said the same things)

Box Brownie wrote in post #3664836
I have no idea about the location image but if the flag being 'mentioned' is the avatar one surely that is the Union Flag that incorporates the Cross of St George (for England) and the "crosses" of St Andrews or Saltire (for Scotland) & St Patricks (for Northern Ireland). The Union Flag is often refered to incorrectly as the Union Jack but has become 'common usage', AFAIK the "Jack" flag is one flown on the stern flag mast on ships of Her Majestys Royal Navy hence Union Jack.

Someone please correct me if I have thought wrongly these many decades

Hi Roy

I type too slowly, our posts timed 'together'

Looks pretty close there. One small point, the "Jack" flag is flown on the bow of a ship. The flag on the stern is an "Ensign". The Royal Navy fly the White Ensign (white flag with a red cross (Like St. Georges) with the Union Flag in the top corner). The Royal Fleet Auxiliary ships fly the Blue Ensign (Blue flag with the Union flag in the top corner). The British merchant marine and any privately owned British vessels fly the Red Ensign.

>Here's< a wiki about the maritime flags in general.

Incidently, the Union Flag has a right and wrong way of being flown. If you look at the avatar you will see there is a broader white bar uppermost in the topmost lefthand side, this is correct but I have seen examples on flagpoles and at football matches being flown upside down i.e. there is a thinner white bar left uppermost.

I understand that when flown upside down this is a distress signal or warning

Mgdh wrote in post #3664880
Looks pretty close there. One small point, the "Jack" flag is flown on the bow of a ship. The flag on the stern is an "Ensign". The Royal Navy fly the White Ensign (white flag with a red cross (Like St. Georges) with the Union Flag in the top corner). The Royal Fleet Auxiliary ships fly the Blue Ensign (Blue flag with the Union flag in the top corner). The British merchant marine and any privately owned British vessels fly the Red Ensign.

>Here's< a wiki about the maritime flags in general.

Thanks Mark, now you state it I knew it was the ensign at the stern but somehow in my grey cells I thought they could be interchanged but your detail makes far more sense.

Roy Mathers wrote in post #3664849
Tom - I've just seen your new avatar and couldn't stop laughing. I think it's wonderful - and shows that you have a great sense of humour

It was meant in fun and humor, but I wouldn't want to be disrespectful, so I changed the Saint George cross to a cork remover.

I'm so glad you pointed that out- I am very aware of it and it annoys me no end when I see it upside down. A lot of people don't seem to know that there is a right and a wrong way, although it is now apparent at first glance. At least there's no mistaking which way up the Stars and Stripes should go! (and I made sure my avatar was the right way up)


Edit - this was obviously an answer to Boxbrownie's earlier post.

tomd wrote in post #3664887
It was meant in fun and humor, but I wouldn't want to be disrespectful, so I changed the Saint George cross to a cork remover.

Shame you removed - I was going to make you an honorary Brit

Roy Mathers wrote in post #3664901
Shame you removed - I was going to make you an honorary Brit

I could re-post it?

I see the red diagonal lines are not centered (in the white background),nor are they in alignment across the center. Do you know why?

tomd wrote in post #3664928
I could re-post it?

Yes, why not if you'd like to

tomd wrote in post #3664932
I see the red diagonal lines are not centered (in the white background),nor are they in alignment across the center. Do you know why?

You're quite right - the lines are not lined up and the flag is not symmetrical but I for one have no idea why.

Roy,
Regarding your flag being flown upside down: if I visualize your avatar being rotated 180 degrees, isn't it exactly the same?