Veterans angry after White Ensign flying on block is removed 'as building is not a Royal Navy warship'
and live on Freeview channel 276
This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.
The group of former naval servicemen and servicewomen living at Trafalgar Court, in Southsea, were flying the White Ensign as a mark of respect and to show their pride at having served their country.
But they awoke one morning to find the flag had been taken down by former Royal Navy Commander Patrick Keefe, chief executive of the charity running the sheltered accommodation for veterans.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdResident Joe Ince, 76, who was a radio operator in the Royal Navy, told The News: ‘We all donated money for the flag and the flagpole to be put up and everyone commented on how nice it was to see.
‘It was our intention to fly the RAF, Army and White Ensign flags on different weeks and on special occasions.
‘When we found the flag had been taken down all the residents were very angry – we feel it’s very disrespectful to the armed forces.’
He added: ‘Flag-flying regulations state you don’t need consent to fly the national flag, any flag of the armed forces and the Armed Forces Day Flag.’
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdResidents discovered it had been removed by Mr Keefe after receiving a letter informing them it was available for collection and had been removed, with the letter saying the flag can only be flown on a Royal Navy vessel.
His letter said: ‘Trafalgar Court is not specifically authorised to fly the White Ensign in accordance with Queen’s Regulations for the Royal Navy. I’ve therefore directed that it be removed.’
The residents’ cause has now been supported by Falklands veteran and former Royal Navy petty officer, Chris Purcell, 61, who was sunk on HMS Sheffield.
Mr Purcell, who lives in Fratton, said: ‘I’ve never heard this rule and I served for 20 years.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad‘The veterans are just showing their pride in having served in the Royal Navy.
‘To take it down is pathetic.’
Mr Keefe, who runs the Church of England Soldiers’, Sailors’ and Airmen’s Housing Association (Cessa), pointed to regulations backing his stance.
The regulations said: ‘The White Ensign is nothing else but the national colours of a ship of war in commission and no past service in the navy or other connection with the navy can make it correct to hoist it on private buildings on shore.’
Speaking to The News, Mr Keefe added: ‘We are simply not authorised to put up the flag.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad‘If they wanted to fly the Union Jack then I would not have a problem.’
The decision has been supported by Gosport based former Lieutenant Commander, Mike Critchley, who added: ‘The only place to fly the White Ensign is on the back end of a Royal Navy ship – end of story. There are other ways of indicating you’re an ex-serviceman.’
Mr Keefe said the group did not ask for his permission to install the flag in the first place. However, veteran Joe said he spoke to Cessa's housing manager and was given the go-ahead.
Looking for the latest Royal Navy updates from Portsmouth? Join our new Royal Navy news Facebook group to keep up to date.
A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron
Thank you for reading this story. The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on our advertisers and thus our revenues.
The News is more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription to support our journalism. You can subscribe here for unlimited access to Portsmouth news and information online.
Every subscription helps us continue providing trusted, local journalism and campaign on your behalf for our city.
Comment Guidelines
National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.