We all know, of course, that when a person dies flags are flown at half mast as a mark of respect etc. Does anyone know who, why, where, when etc this was done for the first time. 'Obvious' sources like Brewers have little useful to impart on the subject. Thank you?

Jack Flash

My understanding has always been that the flag is lowered to half mast in order to make room for the flag of the Angel of Death which is invisible. However, 'Flags of the World' which is a standard work on the subject has this to say: 'Half-masting a flag to indicate mourning is a curious custom, the origin of which has yet to be ascertained, but its observance appears to go back to the sixteenth century as another of the customs of the sea which has spread to the land.' Apr 13 02, 2:08 PM

Senior Moments

According to the Shell Book of Firsts it was on board the Heartsease in July 1612 as a mark of respect to Captain James Hall, leader of an expedition in quest of the North-West Passage. He had been murdered by Eskimoes on the west coast of Greenland. The log of the sister ship, Patience, recorded 'When the Heartease joined the Patience her flag was hanging down and her ensign was over the poop which signified the death of someone on board. Apr 13 02, 3:01 PM

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We all know the Royal Standard is never flown at half-mast, but which national flag is never flown at half-mast? Does anyone have any information on the mooring mast/tower that was to have accommodated the R101 airship if it had arrived in Ismailia (Egypt). i.e when was it removed, what happened to it etc? Is it 'Beer THEN wine, you'll feel fine. Wine THEN beer you'll feel queer' (ie a little peculiar!). Or is it 'Beer ON wine, you'll feel fine...etc' and does anyone know why the correct version is true, if indeed it is true at all? Why is the Royal Standard never flown at half-mast?

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