Skip to main content

Ensign Collection (#18)

"Ensign: A Symbol of Pride, Heritage, and Unity" The ensign, a powerful symbol of national pride and unity, has played a significant role throughout history

Background imageEnsign Collection: Armstrong Whitworth AW27 Ensign G-ADSU Euterpe

Armstrong Whitworth AW27 Ensign G-ADSU Euterpe
Armstrong Whitworth AW27 Ensign, G-ADSU, Euterpe, of Imperial Airways at Croydon Airport

Background imageEnsign Collection: The first Armstrong Whitworth AW27 Ensign G-ADSR

The first Armstrong Whitworth AW27 Ensign G-ADSR
The first Armstrong Whitworth AW27 Ensign, G-ADSR, for Imperial Airways at Hamble in 1937. Date: 1937

Background imageEnsign Collection: Ensign of the Grenadier Guards. Note grenades on collars and belts. From R

Ensign of the Grenadier Guards. Note grenades on collars and belts. From R. Ackermann Costumes of the British Army, 1844. Lithograph

Background imageEnsign Collection: White Ensign flags on office building, Admiralty Arch, City of Westminster, London, England, april

White Ensign flags on office building, Admiralty Arch, City of Westminster, London, England, april

Background imageEnsign Collection: Blitz in London - High Holborn, WW2

Blitz in London - High Holborn, WW2
Blitz in London -- scene at the premises of Ensign Ltd in High Holborn, following a bombing raid and incendiary attack, 11 May 1941

Background imageEnsign Collection: YACHT: TITANIA, 1850. The Titania schooner yacht, built for Mr. Robert Stephenson, C. E

YACHT: TITANIA, 1850. The Titania schooner yacht, built for Mr. Robert Stephenson, C. E. Wood engraving, English, 1850
YACHT: TITANIA, 1850. The Titania schooner yacht, built for Mr. Robert Stephenson, C.E. Wood engraving, English, 1850

Background imageEnsign Collection: The ensign written by Wm. Haworth

The ensign written by Wm. Haworth. Date ca. 1894

Background imageEnsign Collection: A nutmeg match written by Wm. Haworth, author of The Ensign

A nutmeg match written by Wm. Haworth, author of The Ensign. Date c1892

Background imageEnsign Collection: Boats moored at Longridge Water Activities Centre

Boats moored at Longridge Water Activities Centre

Background imageEnsign Collection: Sailor with his daughter

Sailor with his daughter
A jolly Royal Navy sailor with his young daughter peeking over his shoulder. She is holding (and waving) a small white ensign flag

Background imageEnsign Collection: County ensign hoisted, Battle of the Falkland Islands, WW1

County ensign hoisted, Battle of the Falkland Islands, WW1
The county ensign is hoisted on the main mast of HMS Kent at the start of the Battle of the Falkland Islands during the First World War. Date: 8 December 1914

Background imageEnsign Collection: Page from An Album of International Air Liners

Page from An Album of International Air Liners for cigarette cards issued by John Player & Sons, featuring the British aeroplanes Imperial Airways Empire Flying-Boat Caledonia; Imperial Airways Liner

Background imageEnsign Collection: Various Roman Items

Various Roman Items
Items from the Roman era : military ensigns, spears, various equipments and an altar (bottom right). Date: ANCIENT ROME

Background imageEnsign Collection: Spithead Review

Spithead Review
Afloat with the British Royal Navy: A view of the White Ensign (flag) at Spithead, of the Isle of Wight, England. Date: 1930s

Background imageEnsign Collection: The Terra Nova mourns for her Commander

The Terra Nova mourns for her Commander
The ensign flying at half-mast on the Scott Polar expeditions vessel in February 1913, as it neared Lyttelton in New Zealand following the relief partys discovery of Captain Scott

Background imageEnsign Collection: Britannia as a patriotic Butterfly - WWI

Britannia as a patriotic Butterfly - WWI
A World War One era postcard from a French series Les Allies - Britannia depicted as a patriotic butterfly, with red ensign wings

Background imageEnsign Collection: English Naval steamship Imogene

English Naval steamship Imogene
The anchored English Steamship Imogene - flying the White Ensign (an ensign flown on British Royal Navy ships and shore establishments)

Background imageEnsign Collection: Ensign Air Liner and Empire flying boat

Ensign Air Liner and Empire flying boat
Poster advertising the Ensign air liner for European services, now being built by the Armstrong Whitworth company, and the Empire flying boat built by Short Brothers

Background imageEnsign Collection: View toward Topkapi across mouth of Golden Horn

View toward Topkapi across mouth of Golden Horn
View toward the Topkapi Palace across mouth of Golden Horn - the photograph is framed in a red background and sits above an illustration of the British Naval Flag

Background imageEnsign Collection: Speech of thanks to British Fleet from people of Ierossos

Speech of thanks to British Fleet from people of Ierossos
A fantastic piece of history - a speech from the grateful people of the Greek Island of Ierossos, thanking the British Fleet and the English Government for assistance

Background imageEnsign Collection: Royal Naval oarsmen returning to their ship

Royal Naval oarsmen returning to their ship after a liberty period in Chanakale

Background imageEnsign Collection: Galata Tower, Constantinople

Galata Tower, Constantinople
The Genoese-built Galata Tower, Constantinople, Turkey, Flying the Turkish flag with a building close by flying the British white ensign

Background imageEnsign Collection: Ensign photography advertisement

Ensign photography advertisement
An advertisement for Ensign photography manufacturers

Background imageEnsign Collection: Costume, Royal Bodyguard

Costume, Royal Bodyguard
ROYAL BODY GUARDS Officer, Gentlemen at Arms Yeoman of the Guard Ensign, Yeomen of the Guard




For sale as Licensed Images

Choose your image, Select your licence and Download the media

"Ensign: A Symbol of Pride, Heritage, and Unity" The ensign, a powerful symbol of national pride and unity, has played a significant role throughout history. From the majestic HMS Victory proudly hoisting its flags to the inspiring words of Admiral Nelson, this emblem holds great importance. In the Royal Navy's vast fleet, flags flutter in the wind as they represent their respective ships. The iconic Red Ensign waves alongside the Union Jack on vessels like HMS Lancaster at sea, showcasing Britain's maritime prowess. Traveling across Europe reveals even more diverse uses for ensigns. In Switzerland's stunning Alpstein Range, the Swiss flag stands tall atop mountains—a testament to their rich heritage and independence. Meanwhile, Portugal displays its vibrant red and green ensign with pride. Stepping back in time takes us to ancient Rome where warriors donned elaborate costumes adorned with an ensign-like standard—a symbol of strength and honor that rallied troops into battle. During wartime eras such as World War II, ensigns took on new roles beyond military use. A National Savings Group poster encouraged citizens to support their country by investing wisely—depicting an ensign as a beacon of hope during challenging times. Beyond national representation lies commercial significance too; Singer Sewing Machines utilized an advertising card featuring an elegant lady sewing beneath an ensign—an emblematic reminder of craftsmanship and quality. From South America to Africa, nations like Togo and Colombia display their unique tricolor designs on their national flags—ensuring that identity is celebrated through these cherished symbols. Ultimately, it is sailors who embody the spirit behind every flag they serve under. Whether raising the Union Jack or Red Ensign high above deck or standing beside them with unwavering loyalty—their dedication keeps traditions alive while safeguarding our seas. In essence, from historic battleships like HMS Victory to modern-day aircraft carriers sailing across oceans worldwide—the ensign remains a timeless symbol of pride, heritage, and unity.