British Mauritius, 1923

In 1923 the coat of arms was now placed directly on the Blue Ensign, although the previous flag with the white disc often remained in use as well. The shield is blue and gold. The first quarter shows a lymphad, a single-masted ship propelled by oars; the second quarter displays three palm trees. The third quarter shows a red key, and the fourth quarter displays a white five-pointed star with its light shining down. The shield is supported by a dodo (the now extinct flightless bird) and the introduced sambar deer, both in red and silver, holding stalks of sugar cane. A scroll displays the motto, in Latin, “Stella Clavisque Maris Indici” (Star and Key of the Indian Ocean).