I realise getting a bit ahead of myself here! I'm in the early stages of kit-bashing Occre's Beagle, but I would be interested in peoples views about the ensign flown by HMS Beagle during her second/Darwin voyage. Occre, and most models/build logs I've looked at here and elsewhere show a white ensign, which is of course normal for modern RN ships.
I know that the Royal Navy was previously divided into 3 squadrons, red, white and blue, flying red white and blue ensigns. The red squadron and Admiral of the Red being most senior, until the system was abolished in 1864. I haven't seen any specific information about HMS Beagle being assigned to any squadron. The only contemporary painting (from the 3rd voyage), I'm familiar with is by Owen Stanley, showing Beagle in Sydney harbour flying a red ensign. The Royal Museum Greenwich says that in addition to merchant vessels, Royal Navy ships commanded by the Admiral of the Red flew a red ensign, as did ships detached from a squadron for surveying or exploration duties.
I doubt if there will be any final documentary evidence one way or the other for Darwins voyage. I'm tempted to eventually show a red ensign but would welcome any other opinions on this.
I know that the Royal Navy was previously divided into 3 squadrons, red, white and blue, flying red white and blue ensigns. The red squadron and Admiral of the Red being most senior, until the system was abolished in 1864. I haven't seen any specific information about HMS Beagle being assigned to any squadron. The only contemporary painting (from the 3rd voyage), I'm familiar with is by Owen Stanley, showing Beagle in Sydney harbour flying a red ensign. The Royal Museum Greenwich says that in addition to merchant vessels, Royal Navy ships commanded by the Admiral of the Red flew a red ensign, as did ships detached from a squadron for surveying or exploration duties.
I doubt if there will be any final documentary evidence one way or the other for Darwins voyage. I'm tempted to eventually show a red ensign but would welcome any other opinions on this.
