Jack (flag)

A jack is a flag flown from a short jackstaff at the bow (front) of a vessel, while the ensign is worn [flown] on the stern (rear). Jacks on bowsprits or foremasts appeared in the 17th century. A country may have different jacks for different purposes, especially when the naval jack is forbidden to other vessels.

The United Kingdom has an official civil jack; the Netherlands has several unofficial ones.
In some countries, ships of other government institutions may fly the naval jack, e.
g.

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Source: Wikipedia · Image: Wikimedia Commons · Public domain

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