Striking the flag in naval warfare

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Questions and Answers

What does 'striking the flag' generally indicate?

The start of a naval battle
An act of surrender (correct)
A change in a ship's course
A call for reinforcements

According to international standards, what should happen once a ship strikes its flag?

The attacking ship should cease fire (correct)
A boarding party must inspect the ship
The surrendered ship must provide supplies
Both ships must return to their home ports

Which Confederate ship was involved in a controversial engagement off the coast of Cherbourg, France?

USS Constitution
HMS Guerriere
C.S.S. Alabama (correct)
USS Philadelphia

Who was the commanding officer of the C.S.S. Alabama during the engagement with the USS Kearsarge?

<p>Raphael Semmes (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who commanded the USS Kearsarge during its battle with the CSS Alabama?

<p>John Winslow (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Striking the Flag

A universal signal of surrender in naval warfare.

Post-Surrender Conduct

After a ship lowers its flag, continuing to attack it violates international warfare standards.

Raphael Semmes

Commanding officer of the Confederate ship C.S.S. Alabama.

John Winslow

Commanding officer of the USS Kearsarge during its engagement with the Alabama.

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Kearsarge vs. Alabama

A controversial naval battle where the Kearsarge sank the Alabama off the coast of France.

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Study Notes

Striking the flag, or striking the colors, universally indicates surrender.
Continuing to engage a ship in warfare after the flag is lowered violates international standards.
This custom can be disrupted in the heat of battle.
On June 18, 1864, the Kearsarge engaged the Confederate ship C.S.S. Alabama off Cherbourg, France.
Captain Raphael Semmes, commanding officer of the Alabama, stated Kearsarge continued to fire after Alabama lowered its flag.
Captain John Winslow, commanding officer of Kearsarge, disputed Semmes' account, claiming Alabama continued to fire after surrendering.
Action between USS Constitution and HMS Guerriere occurred on August 19, 1812.
The image depicts Constitution standing off the dismasted British frigate's bow as the latter strikes her flag in surrender.
Engagement between USS Chesapeake and HMS Shannon occurred on June 1, 1813.
The image depicts Chesapeake at the moment of striking her flag to Shannon.

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Description

Surrendering in naval warfare is universally indicated by striking the flag. Continuing to engage a ship after the flag is lowered violates international standards, though this can be disrupted in battle. Notable examples include the Kearsarge and C.S.S. Alabama, USS Constitution and HMS Guerriere, and USS Chesapeake and HMS Shannon.