Flag of the British Antarctic Territory
The flag of the British Antarctic Territory was officially authorized by Queen Elizabeth II on 21 April 1998. The flag flies in Antarctica stations in the United Kingdom and the British Antarctic Survey ( BAS) headquarters in Cambridge.
Description and significance
The flag is based on the White Ensign, and points to a white background in the naval jack of the Union Jack. The white base symbolizes the ice and snow covering the Antarctic. On the flight part is the coat of arms of the British Antarctic Territory. A white shield with three blue waves and a red wedge and a torch ( as a sign of Research) held by a lion and a king penguin. The crest above the shield ornamental shows the three-masted sailing ship Discovery, the expedition ship, the Robert Falcon Scott made his first expedition to Antarctica. Below the escutcheon shows a banner the inscription " RESEARCH AND DISCOVERY " (research and discovery ). On the back of the flag of the coat of arms is displayed although mirrored, the banner shows the scripture correctly. The aspect ratio of the flag is 1:2.
History
The coat of arms was the territory first awarded on 11 March 1952, when it was still a dependent territory of the Falkland Islands. In 1963, the Antarctic Territory were administratively separated from them and received on 1 August 1963 his coat of arms in addition a helmet. On 30 May 1969, the Blue Ensign was introduced. Only in 1998 was followed by the White Ensign.
More flags of the territory
Simultaneously with the White Ensign and the flag of the Commissioner was assumed that the tradition of the flag of British governors follows dependent territories. In the center of the Union Jack leads the coat of arms of the territory on a white disk, surrounded by laurels. The Blue Ensign is the only coat of arms. It is the official flag, which is led inter alia, by vessels navigating on behalf of the Territory Administration.
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