Union of South Africa, 1912

In 1912 the flag of the Union of South Africa was slightly changed: the arms on the Blue and Red Ensigns were placed on a white disk. Although a Red Ensign was intended to be used at sea, it became the de facto National flag of South Africa and was used on land. South Africa’s Red Ensign continued to be used at sea as the merchant ensign until 1951, although the national flag had changed.