Naval ensign

A naval ensign is an ensign (maritime flag) used by naval ships of various countries to denote their nationality.

A large version of a naval ensign that is flown on a warship's mast just before going into battle is called a battle ensign.

An ensign differs from a jack, which is flown from a jackstaff at the bow of a vessel.

Most countries have only one national flag and ensign for all purposes.

In other countries, a distinction is made between the land flag and the civil, state and naval ensigns.