BHC1008

Three English flagships becalmed Long Caption: The far ship, starboard broadside on, is the flagship of the Commander-in-Chief, indicated by the Union flag flying from the mainmast. The other two ships are, respectively, those of his vice-admiral and rear-admiral of the red squadron. In the mid 7th century the fleet had been organized into three squadrons, the red being the central or commander-in-chief's and hence the senior one, the white being the vanguard and the blue the rear. This arrangement ceased to have operational significance around 1700 but remained the basis of organizational seniority among squadrons and flag officers. Credit line: © National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London Object: BHC1008 Artist: Peter Monamy Date: 1728 Medium: oil on canvas Size: 876 mm x 1295 mm Click here to buy a bespoke print of this image.