Historical Variants of The National Flag
| Flag | Date | Use | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1770s–1820s | This design appeared in the 1769 uprising, based on older patterns. Used among others by the Kolokotronis family, this flag, with variations, was the most widely used throughout Greece during the initial stages of the 1821 revolution. | A blue cross over a white field. | |
| 1822–1828 | First flag of the Greek Merchant Navy, adopted in January 1822. In 1828 it was discontinued, as it was decided that the cross-and-stripes naval flag (today's national flag) should be flown by both military and merchant ships. | Blue flag with an inverse state flag on the canton (Blue cross on white field). | |
| 1822 - 1970 1975 - 1978 |
In January 1822, the First National Assembly at Epidaurus adopted this design to replace the multitude of local revolutionary flags then in use. Since 1828, this flag was flown inside the country, while the current flag was flown on naval vessels and abroad. | White cross on a blue field. During the periods of monarchy (1833–1924 and 1935–1973), a golden crown was often added in the centre of official flags (see examples below). | |
| 1833–1862 | State and War flag on land during the reign of King Otto. | The flag consists of the plain cross version of the national flag, with the Bavarian arms of the Wittelsbach dynasty superimposed in the center of the cross, topped by a crown. The blue color is of a lighter shade than usual today. | |
| . | 1833–1862 | State and War ensign at sea during the reign of King Otto. | The flag consists of the naval version of the national flag, with the Bavarian arms of the Wittelsbach dynasty superimposed in the center of the cross, topped by a golden royal crown superimposed in the canton. The blue color is of a lighter shade than usual today. |
| 1863–1913 | The first Royal Standard of Greece. | Similar to the Danish Flag, with Nordic Cross and the Coat of Arms of House of Glücksburg. | |
| 1913–1922 | Royal Standard of the King, adopted in 1913. | Like the Navy jack, but in a light blue field with the Arms of King Constantine I at the center. Behind the arms are two crossed Field Marshal's batons. | |
| 1916–1922 | Standard used by the Crown Prince, adopted in 1916. | Like the Navy jack, but in a light blue field. In the first and third quarter is a royal crown. | |
| 1863–1913 | Standard used by King George I of Greece. | The flag consists of the plain cross version of the national flag, with a Royal Coat of Arms of Greece superimposed in the center of the cross. | |
| 1935–1974 | Royal Standard of the King, adopted in 1935. | Like the Navy jack, with the Royal Family arms in the centre and four crowns in the quarters. | |
| 1935–1974 | Standard of the Crown Prince, adopted in 1935. | Like the Navy jack, with the Greek Royal Family arms in the centre and one crown in the first quarter. | |
| 1935–1974 | Standard used by the Greek Royal Family, adopted in 1935. | Like the Navy jack, with the Greek Royal Family arms in the centre but no crown. | |
| 1935–1970 | Royal version of the State Flag during the Kingdom of Greece. | The flag consists of the plain cross version of the national flag, with a detailed golden royal crown superimposed in the center of the cross. The field is bordered by a gold fringe. | |
| 1863 - 1924 1935 - 1970 |
State and War flag on land during the Greek Royal Family in the Kingdom of Greece. | The flag consists of the plain cross version of the national flag, with a golden royal crown superimposed in the center of the cross. | |
| 1863 - 1924 1935 - 1970 |
Jack of the Royal Hellenic Navy. | A square flag with a white cross on a blue field with the Hellenic Royal Crown in the centre. The crown was added during the periods of monarchy (1833–1924 and 1935–1973). | |
| 1863 - 1924 1935 - 1970 |
State and War ensign at sea during the Greek Royal Family in the Kingdom of Greece. | The flag consists of the naval version of the national flag, with a golden royal crown superimposed in the center of the cross in the canton. | |
| Ensign of the Royal Hellenic Air Force until 1973. | A white cross on a blue field with the roundel of the Hellenic Air Force in the centre, the royal crown in a circle on the canton. | ||
| Ensign of the Hellenic Air Force (1973–1978) and Greek Civil Air Ensign, until 1978. | A white cross on a blue field with the roundel of the Hellenic Air Force in the centre. | ||
| 1964–1980 | Hellenic Coast Guard service flag. | The naval ensign with two golden anchors, crossed, in the centre of the cross. | |
| 1970–1975 | National flag adopted by the Colonels' regime. | The sea flag, in ratio 7:12 and in very dark shade of blue (dark "midnight blue"). The old "land" version was restored as national flag in 1975. |
Read more about this topic: Flags Of Greece
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