Fly our flag correctly

But watching the Olympics brought home my point with a vengeance.

I am still amazed, dumbfounded and annoyed, extremely annoyed at the number of our British citizens who do not know how the flag is constructed, ie, which flag is layered first.

However, even more frustrating is how many people do not know which way the flag is flown and persist in exhibiting it “upside down” – an offence in some countries punishable by long terms in prison or worse.

It is so simple, although, even some of the PR mounted on sticks by the sales companies get it wrong.

And as for the representatives at the Olympics, who should know a lot better, shame on them.

Our Union Flag has a “Hoist” and a “Fly” – the hoist is generally edged with binding strip and/or a hoist cord, when facing the flag the broad white strip should be at the top of the hoist, as shown. On those flags with hoist cords fitted, the lower end of the cord is generally longer than the upper end so there is no way of putting it up incorrectly, even at night when you can’t see the colours (during winter sunrise time when the flag should be hoisted it is still sometimes still dark).

I wish British people would educate themselves or be educated in their heritage and the long history of our Union Flag, or at least learn to exhibited it correctly with the pride it deserves.

Captain Bob Ridge,

Marine Master (Retired)