For all those that are aware of the tradition-
My flags at the HQ today are flying at Half mast in honour of my father Jack Allen
Who yesterday at the age of 91 years and 354 days passed away in Oatlands Hospital, Lesley and I had the privilage to look after him fulltime since the 18th December last year.
My selection of flags has been the same for the last week, they are-
The White Ensign representing my Naval service of 14 years
The Red Ensign representing my Merchant Service of 23 years
And the Thames Barge Pennant representing where Dad started his Career serving on the Thames Barge ‘Tartaric’ at the age of 13 in November 1943 joining her at Chatham on the river Medway, whilst it was on passage from London to the Sunderland Sea Plane Factory at Rochester with fuel oil.
Along with these is the paying off Pennant belonging to HMS Southampton on which my Great Uncle George served in 1939
Good Luck and a Fair Breeze Sailor
I love you Dad!