REL34538 - Flag of the Inshore Flotilla : HMAS Curlew

REL34538

ID number
REL34538
Title
Flag of the Inshore Flotilla : HMAS Curlew
Maker
Unknown
Object type
Flag
Place made
Unknown
Date made
c 1965
Physical description
Cotton; Ink; Paint
Collection
Heraldry
Description
White flag with the Cross of St George. In the canton is a painted black footprint within an inverted red triangle. In the lower hoist quarter is painted a brown kangaroo. In the upper fly quarter is painted a brown kiwi and in the lower fly quarter is painted a red lion rampant holding a key. At the charge is a circular cotton appliqued panel with a painted 'Three Legs of Man' emblem (Trinacria) against a blue background. Written in black ink on the upper hoist is 'FLAG FOR CAPT 1F 4BDTH' .
Summary
This flag was souvenired from HMAS Curlew late in 1965 during its participation in the Indonesian Confrontation. At the time, Curlew was part of the Royal Navy Inshore Flotilla and the various emblems represent the minesweeping squadrons that made up the flotilla. The blackfoot represents the 6th, British, Minesweeping Squadron. This Squadron was nicknamed 'Blackfoot', from the marks made by the stokers (engine room staff) on the teak decks. The Kangaroo represents the 16th, British, Minesweeping Squadron to which were attached the six Australian Ton Class coastal minesweepers, HMA Ships Gull, Snipe, Curlew, Teal, Hawk and Ibis. The Kiwi represents HMNZ Ships Santon and Hickleton which formed part of the 11th, British, Minesweeping Squadron, which itself is represented by the rampant lion. The 'Three Legs of Man' emblem (Trinacria) represents HMS Manxman which was the support ship for the flotilla.
Permalink: http://cas.awm.gov.au/item/REL34538

Related

Conflict
Place
Subjects
Units