The Soviet navy was part of the structure of the Armed Forces throughout the entire period of the existence of the USSR. The ships of the Navy of the USSR were always ready to defend the borders of the state. Many sailors distinguished themselves during the Great Patriotic War.
Flag of the Navy of the USSR
Throughout the entire period of the existence of the Soviet fleet, the colors of the flag changed several times. This was due either to the creation of new fleets, or to a change in the geopolitical situation.
The first flag of the USSR Navy was officially approved in 1923. What did he look like? A rectangular red cloth was taken, in the middle of which the sun with 8 rays was depicted. Since this flag was to some extent similar to the national symbol of Japan, after the formation of the Pacific Fleet in 1932, Soviet naval officers initiated the development of a sketch of the new flag. Such actions were logical in the light of a certain hostility of Japan to our state. The naval flag of the USSR in the new design was approved by a government decree of May 27, 1935. The coloring has not fundamentally changed. Now it was a white canvas with a blue stripe below. In the center of the flag was a five-pointed star, as well as a sickle and a hammer. It can be seen that more traditional Soviet elements appeared on the flag. The general appearance of the flag was changed in 1950. No new symbols were added, but the party leadership decided to change the location of the star and sickle in places.
Honorary flag of the Soviet fleet
There was also an Honorary Naval Flag. It was used during ceremonies or handed to the captains of especially distinguished ships. Its appearance also changed several times during the existence of the Soviet fleet. For example, the first version of this flag was very similar to the usual flag of the USSR Navy, except that a large white cross was placed in the upper left corner.
What do the flags on the ship mean?
There are different situations at sea, therefore a special warning system has been developed in the form of flags on ships. This includes up to 80 different characters. These can be command flags (give reverse or small speed, etc.), warnings (for example, the ship is heading in a dangerous direction), alerts (a person fell overboard, a distress signal on the ship). Flags can also signal ship turns. Necessarily a special distinguishing sign was raised on the border guard on duty.
Also, the flag of the state under whose jurisdiction the ship is located must also be on board the ship. As you know, the territory of the ship is equal to the land territory of the home country.