Imperial German naval ensign, 1903-21 pattern. Printed on the lower edge of the hoist is: 'Captured from German Destroyer at scuttle of the German Fleet Saturday June 21st 1919'. The provenance is via Lieutenant Commander W.M. Bridges, d. 1971.
The German ensign was hoisted during the internment of the German Fleet on 20 November 1918. Admiral Beatty then ordered that after flag parade, it should not be hoisted again. At this time naval inspection committees searched the German vessels for arms. The German ensigns were re-hoisted just before the fleet was scuttled. The Royal Navy intervened and managed to beach some of the smaller vessels. Bridges' destroyer was presumably one of these ships.
The ensign is made of wool bunting, machine sewn with the design printed. The hoist is made by turning over the edge of the flag and hand stitching it over the halyard.
Design: a white field with a black cross overall, offset to the hoist and fimbriated white and black. The Prussian eagle on a white disc with black edge in the centre. In the canton— a black, white, red flag bearing a black Iron Cross.
In 1903 the cross was made thicker and a solid circle was placed round the eagle to avoid confusion with the British White Ensign.