English: An unofficial flag used throughout the interwar period combining the symbols of various nations from across the British Empire. The Cross of Saint George representing the English divides the flag into four quadrants, and the Union Flag is placed in the canton. Canada, Australia, and South Africa have their coats of arms placed in the three other quadrants of the flag. New Zealand is represented by the four stars forming a Southern Cross, and the British Raj is provided with the Star of India in the centre of the flag. The exact specifications for constructing this flag are unclear due to it fading into obscurity over the years, and it can come in different variants featuring different coats of arms based on the year a specimen is from. It is also unknown when exactly the flag first came into use, and this is believed to be a variant produced in 1921 when Canada was granted a national coat of arms. The flag is closely associated with Empire Day and the British Empire Exhibition. It was also used at certain sites dedicated to the First World War, such as the Dangarsleigh War Memorial, and flown throughout the Second World War as a symbol of imperial unity.
This UK artistic or literary work, of which the author is unknown and cannot be ascertained by reasonable enquiry, is in the public domain because it is one of the following:
A photograph, which has never previously been made available to the public (e.g. by publication or display at an exhibition) and which was taken more than 70 years ago (before 1 January 1954); or
A photograph, which was made available to the public (e.g. by publication or display at an exhibition) more than 70 years ago (before 1 January 1954); or
An artistic work other than a photograph (e.g. a painting), or a literary work, which was made available to the public (e.g. by publication or display at an exhibition) more than 70 years ago (before 1 January 1954).
This tag can be used only when the author cannot be ascertained by reasonable enquiry. If you wish to rely on it, please specify in the image description the research you have carried out to find who the author was. The above is all subject to any overriding publication right which may exist. In practice, publication right will often override the first of the bullet points listed.
Unpublished anonymous paintings remain in copyright until at least 1 January 2040. This tag does not apply to engravings or musical works. More information
This image shows a flag, a coat of arms, a seal or some other official insignia. The use of such symbols is restricted in many countries. These restrictions are independent of the copyright status.
Captions
An unofficial British Empire flag introduced sometime after 1921