Black flag or Red flag

General

Pirate ships are known for flying their black flags, also known by the nickname Jolly Roger. The popular image of a skull and and two crossed bones can be found on some of those flags, but there were plenty other designs too.

Maybe less known is the fact that pirates usually had two flags, the common black one with an identifying design. But also a red one. These two flags had different meanings.

Black Ensign of Rosalind Abigail Oak. by Jacob-W

Black flag

A pirate ship would raise this flag to show that they are going to attack and rob the vessel they are chasing. Identifying them as pirates to their prey. In the best-case scenario the ship they are hunting would get scared and lower their own flag, there by surrender to the pirates. In doing so they would keep their lives, and would come out of the ordeal unscratched. Usually the pirates would only take the cargo, stores or other valuables, but sometimes they'd take the entire ship for themselves. Giving the original crew a sloop or drop them off on land somewhere.

Red flag

If the pirate ship would raise a red flag this meant no quarter is given, and non is expected in return. They are going to attack and fight the crew, regardless of the actions of the other vessel, they would most likely not accept a surrender. This was not a general practice of the pirates, as it was very dangerous to them as well, instead of scaring their prey into surrender they forced them in a corner to fight for their lives. Pirates may do this while fighting a warship or when they have a feud to settle.

Red Ensign of Peter James Jacobson and later also used by Rosalind Abigail Oak. by Jacob-W

Notes

It is the captain of the pirate vessel who decides when to hoist the black or red flag. Under any other circumstances the crew is free to challenge the captain in their decisions, unrestricted from any reprisals. They can even call for a vote to elect a new captain. But as soon as the flag is raised, the ship is 'in a fight' and the decisions of the captain are not to be questions, and commands should be followed promptly.

History

It is not known when this custom came to be, but multiple pirates have used this system.

Execution

The identifcational flag of a ship, also called an ensign, is flown in different locations, depending on the design and location of the ship.

In port the ensign is usually flown from a flagpole on the stern, and favourably in the centre line of the ship.

At sea, it can be flown from the same flagpole, but this is considered bad practice, even though it is done by most. Better is it to fly the flag from the aft most mast, this can be the mast top, or from the gaff, if the ship is equipped with such a sail boom.

See also:

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