Rank Insignia and Personal Flag
The current ranks are rear admiral, vice admiral, admiral and admiral of the fleet, also known as flag ranks because admirals, known as flag officers, are entitled to fly a personal flag. An admiral of the fleet flies a Union Flag at the masthead, while an admiral flies a St George's cross (red cross on white). Vice admirals and rear admirals fly a St George’s cross with one or two red discs in the hoist, respectively.
The rank of admiral itself is shown in its sleeve lace by a broad band with three narrower bands. Since 2001 it has been designated a four-star rank when the number of stars on the shoulder board were increased to four.
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Sleeve lace
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Shoulder board
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Shoulder board prior to 2001
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World War II admiral's shoulder board
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Command flag for admiral of the fleet
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Command flag for an admiral
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Command flag for a vice admiral
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Command flag for a rear admiral
Read more about this topic: Admiral (Royal Navy)
Famous quotes containing the words rank, personal and/or flag:
“Do not use your rank to degrade others, nor use your cleverness to deceive others.”
—Chinese proverb.
“I know no personal cause to spurn at him,
But for the general: he would be crowned.
How that might change his nature, there’s the question.”
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616)
“Swift blazing flag of the regiment,
Eagle with crest of red and gold,
These men were born to drill and die.
Point for them the virtue of slaughter,
Make plain to them the excellence of killing
And a field where a thousand corpses lie.”
—Stephen Crane (1871–1900)