Many sources suggest that the tradition of flying a flag at "half-mast" was to fly it at least one flag-width below the top of the flagpole to make way for the "invisible flag of death". In some traditions, the symbol for mourning is to fly the flag half-way down the flagpole, however the Australian (and British) naval tradition is however that the flag be "flown with the top of the flag positioned two thirds of the way up the mast/halyard, but not less that one flag breath from the top". I believe this image to be a good example of this practice.
I have tidied up the references since I last submitted this image as a VI. -- Martinvl (talk)
Oppose Not good to use unsourced colloquial phrase for half-mast. Also, Australia wasn't a nation when flags were first flown at half mast. Choosing position of flag at one flag-width down is not recognized guidance in countries with The Queen as Head of State. The Royal Navy instructions for instance state that 'Flags flown at half-mast are to be flown with the top of the flag positioned two thirds of the way up the mast/halyard, but not less that one flag breath from the top'. Charlesjsharp (talk) 08:50, 10 May 2022 (UTC)[reply]
Comment Sorry, no. Scope is unsound as is image chosen. As the Australian government admits, the 'flag of death' is mythology. And as a matter of detail, this flag is not even one flag's breadth from the top of the flagstaff, so is in conflict with the regulations. Finally, I'm afraid you have the name of the flag wrong. It is formally known as the Royal Australian Navy Ensign. Charlesjsharp (talk) 18:41, 10 May 2022 (UTC)[reply]
