"Australian Flag Mythology." Topic

"Our opponents in this debate like to rewrite history and pretend that our current national flag – the blue Australian ensign – has been our national flag forever and that people have "fought and died" for it. This is one of their prime arguments against change, and they use it very emotively. They ignore the Red Ensign, despite its overwhelming use in Australia and overseas during the first half of the 20th century.

There are many problems with this argument. The first is that the blue ensign became AustraliaŒs national flag only in 1954. Prior to that date, its use by ordinary citizens was strongly and actively discouraged. The blue flag was not some glorious and romantic flag of the people, but an instrument of Government, much like the Coat of Arms.

This meant that the public didnŒt officially have a flag to fly other than the Union Jack, which is what many people did. In this official vacuum, if anyone wanted a more Australian symbol they used the red ensign as a de-facto Civil Flag. It was not strictly correct, but it happened at every level of the community, including the Armed Services.

The second problem with this argument is that members of the Armed Services in Australia never "fought and died" for a flag anyway. They fought and died for our country – a subtle but important difference…."
See more here
link

Amicalement
Armand

Australia is a bit interesting in this respect as nationalism seems to have become very popular in recent years, manifested as an interest in military/sporting achievement. Go to a military site of interest, like the Somme or Gallipoli or a rugby or cricket game featuring the Aussies and you won't be able to move for people dressed head to toe in 'gold' and draped in the national flag.

The common conception is that people didn't fight for their country i.e. the flag but for their mates. Probably not so different from soldiers everywhere since time immemorial really.

That website is the one that is bending the truth – the blue ensign was popularly used rightthroughout the 20thC as 'the Australian Flag'. The 1954 legislation only officially recognised the facts on the ground.

Unfortunately as its the first piece of legislation addressing the issue its been seized and distorted by this movement. An organisation, that in my view is just another part of the liberal relativist movement deliberately trying to dismantle everything about the nation that binds us together.

Sounds a bit like the New Zealand flag debate earlier this year, which eventually voted to retain the current flag.

I posted my thoughts on the NZ flag debate on my 'Dressing The Lines' blog: link As you can see from my posting, the vote didn't go the way I would've liked!!

However, one day in the next decade or two I am sure there will be a change in both New Zealand and Australia, with flags that are more representative of the sovereign states we have become, than the current BOT-style (British Overseas Territories) flags we have now.

Of course New Zealand is much more embracing of its Maori culture than Australia is of its Aboriginal equivalent, to the extent that you'd be forgiven for thinking most of the population were of Maori origin.

The main problem i can see with the Australian and New Zealand flags is that they often get mistaken for each other.

If NZ were to have another referendum on changing their flag this generation, wouldn't that beg the question of the point of having referenda? Do you just keep having them until the ordinary folk get so fed up with the trendy liberal agenda that they grudgingly just deliver the 'right' answer?

Presumably had the Kiwis voted to change their wonderful flag, patriots wouldn't have been demanding another referendum in a few years time to change it back?

Still, it must be wonderful to live in a country so rich, peaceful and contented that the Prime Minister's main item of agenda was changing the flag!

The 'repeat referendum' seems to be an increasing problem that has yet to be addressed.

After the British Brexit vote there have already been calls for the referendum to be re-run for various reasons. Some in Scotland want another referendum on Scottish independence. A few years ago Ireland actually had two votes on the same issue, the second overturning the result of the first!

I think it highlights a basic flaw in a yes/no vote. You always end up with a sizeable number of angry, annoyed, or disgruntled losers.

Still, could be worse. You could live in a dictatorship….

I am not altogether sure why political posturing in regards Australia's varying views on flags is in a war gaming forum? Perhaps better positioned in non war gaming related general discussion, me thinks?

I am puzzled by this as well

Maybe someone needs to work out what colour flag their slouch hat wearing bolt action figs should be carrying as they follow Matilda tanks over the Kokoda Trail

As an Australian Veteran of 32 years, 2 campaigns and various deployments I can assure you the Australian Army has a VERY STRONG affiliation with the ANF.
Furthermore it is a very representative flag.
In the first Canton is the Union Flag. This is significant as it points to the historical FACT that Australia started as a BRITISH colony.
The Star of Federation represents that Australia is a Commonwealth of 7 states and Territories.
The southern Cross points to our location inn the Southern Hemisphere.
The ANF has stood in good service since federation in
1901.
I personally see no need to change it.
What this post has to do with WARGAMING is beyond me.

Reference to wargaming? Gunner Dunbar being able to paint the correct flag- with all the details faithfully reproduced, including the "Australia" title underneath it- on 28mm 'Modern Australian' figures, and not having to worry about them needing repainting in n years time.