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Metropolitan Police (London, UK)

by Martin Grieve, 1 September 2006

Description of the flag

Description of the flag

The Marine Police were formed in 1798 and the Metropolitan Police in 1829. The two forces amalgamated in 1839 and the Marine Police became Thames Division of the Metropolitan Police. A blue flag with a crown in the upper hoist corner and POLICE across the lower hoist and fly was introduced in 1840 as the flag of the Thames Division.

In 1938 and again in 1941 it was suggested that since ensigns had been granted to other authorities that operated vessels on the Thames, such as Customs, War Department, General Post Office (?) and Port of London Authority, Thames Division should apply for a Blue Ensign. However nothing was done until 1951 when it was noted that a Blue Ensign had been granted to the Thames Motor Cruising Club that had been in existence for only twenty-one years. That ensign had been granted to the club in recognition of its services during the 1939-45 war, particularly at Dunkirk in 1940.
David Prothero, 1 September 2006