Gin Pennant

By Crusader1307

While the consumption of alcohol on Military Warships was once considered a normal part of a Seaman's life (indeed even a required Ration, at one point), most Navies abolished alcohol consumption fairly early in the 20th Century. While such ''activity'' was regulated to ''Shore Leave'', the tradition of consuming alcohol remained (at least unofficially) – a ''perk'' of Naval Officers. Hence the extremely unofficial ''flag'' called The ''Gin Pennant''. While some link it's origins with The British Royal Navy, it probably is more closely linked to various Commonwealth Navies. No official flag was ever authorized for usage, so many variants were ''created'' for Officers to hoist. Almost by unofficial agreement, the colors of the Pennant were universally White and Green.

By custom, a Ship would fly it's Gin Pennant from The Starboard side to signal any nearby ''friendly'' Ships – that it's Officers were welcome to come aboard for drinks with the Host Ships Officers, This was seen as a ''courtesy of Rank''. The Pennant featured a small glass centered (in Green on White) and was flanked by a Green border. Another legend tells that such Pennants were actually ''House Flags'' of Distillery Companies – flown from factories. Once seen (perhaps as early as 1910), the idea to convert them into Naval use, may have developed.