Lighthouses of Australia Inc

Commonwealth Lighthouse Service Red Ensign Photo: John Ibbotson

Lighthouse service flags

By John Ibbotson, Lighthouse author & photographer

A few months ago I received an Australian red ensign with a lighthouse emblem on it from John Briggs, who is currently master of the Iron Chieftain.

He commented:

"Commonwealth Lighthouse Flag" drawing of a blue ensign Photo: John Ibbotson

“Some years ago (33 in fact) I served on the MV Cape Pillar, one of the government lighthouse tenders. At the time they were changing over logos from the old Lighthouse Service to the then newer Department of Shipping & Transport logo. As a result I came by a 6' Red Ensign defaced with the old lighthouse emblem.” 

John had indicated that it had been stored in his garage for 20 years and he would be delighted if it could be displayed. It so happened that AMSA was looking for a flag to be used as a backdrop for their Australian Lighthouse Service display in the foyer at their Canberra headquarters and hopefully it will soon be on display there.

Lyndon O’Grady at AMSA then sent me a copy of a drawing of a blue ensign with a lighthouse emblem on it labelled as a “Commonwealth Lighthouse Flag”. He has been trying to find the history associated with both of these flags. 

If there is anybody out there who can fill in the blanks would you please email me the information.

Thankyou.

John Ibbotson

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