Help / Advice needed on my Large White Ensign (9ft 2in x 4ft 7in)

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#1

I am hoping somebody will be able to help provide information on this large White Ensign I have. It measures approx 9ft 2in x 4ft 7in, it has what appears to be the following numbers / words / symbols on it - 571 3291, an arrow head, a boxed number 6 followed by BDS and finally White Ensign. Please see attached pictures.

Questions

  1. How old is this?
  2. What vessel or vessel type would it have come off of?
  3. What do the numbers / words / symbols represent?

Any further information is also greatly recieved.

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#2

Not my field of even remote expertise, but I noticed the broad arrow in the markings on the flag.

The broad arrow may indicate that it is genuine British issue. http://www.raaoc.asn.au/?q=node/53

Australian issue in WWII also used the broad arrow, but more usually between two D’s (representing Department of Defence) as on the mugs here. http://www.medalsgonemissing.com/Uniform-Kit-issued-to-the-AIF-During-WW2/20.html

#3

The broad arrow just means it’s government property…

#4

The numbers look like part of the NATO Stock Number (NSN) which all equipment used by NATO members have.

It is a 13 digit code laid out as XXXX-XX-XXX-XXXX. The first four numbers being type of kit, second pair country identifier, next seven the actual part number. In the UK quite often just the last 7 are shown on the item of equipment itself. Sometimes there is a series of letters and numbers before the start of the actual NSN.

An example I have to hand (so to speak), my Gloves Combat MkII are NSN CM/8415-99-978-3713. The 99 signifying UK

After a very quick search along my theory i found this which is a current NSN (it does not mean the ensign you have is new though just that that NSN is still in use for RN Ensigns)

RN Ensign NSN 8345-99-571-3291

Further examples of NSN’s and description

NSN 8345-99-125-1126
FLAG,NATIONAL:UNITED KINGDOM;1220MM LG;610MM WD;CROSS MIDDLE DESIGN;FITTED WITH PLAIN & SWIVEL INGLEFIELD CLIPS;ROYAL BLUE,WHITE & RED.

NSN 8345-99-125-1117
RAF Ensign, 92X184 cm

The arrow as stated is the typical British Government Property Crowsfoot
The boxed number on many items of kit is usually the packer/checker ID number, not always though.