Governor-General - Australia

Last modified: 2001-06-15 by jonathan dixon
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The flag of the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia was introduced in 1902 and modified in 1909.

1902

On a Union Flag, standard white background disc, with no surrounding garland; a six-pointed gold star surmounted by the Royal Crown, the star and Crown within a gold circlet and an inner surround of ears of corn (wheat). The star is divide by lines from the centre to the points and indents (is this correctly called gyronny?), with the left half of the resulting diamond shapes, a darker shade than the right half.

1908

Star changed to one with seven-points. There is a small illustration of the flag and badge on page 363 of the October 1917 NGM.

1936

Standard blue flag with Royal Crest surmounting a scroll. Note Canada and the Union of South Africa adopted this style of Governor-General's flag in 1931.
david prothero, 1999-FEB-22

From Conrad Swan, York Herald of Arms, "Canada: Symbols of Sovreignty", (Toronto 1977), pp. 76-77.

FLAG OF THE GOVERNOR GENERAL

By an Order in Council of 31 July 1869, Queen Victoria authorised an official flag for the Governor General [ie., of Canada], following a memorial on the subject by the Lords of the Admiralty. The Flag was to comprise the Union Jack with, in the centre, a shield containing the arms of the four founding provinces [ie., the Canadian heraldic badge of the time], surrounded by a wreath of maple leaves ensigned by a royal crown. Originally this flag was for use when the Governor General embarked in boats and other vessels, although in time its use became extended.

Since the Commonwealth of Australia was created over 30 years after the above date, I would therefore assume that the Australian Governor General employed a similar flag, right from the Commonwealth's inception -- the difference, of course, being that the badge in the centre would be Australia's vice Our Lady of the Snow's, and the laurel would be of oak vice maple leaves.

I would also suggest that the Governors of the individual colonies (states) of Australia also flew a similar flag prior to 1901.
glen robert-grant hodgins, 1999-FEB-22