THE LONG COACH-WHIP PENNANT

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Aug 19, 1889

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 15, No. 32.

THE LONG COACH-WHIP PENNANT.

MANY people have wondered what is the significance of the long pennant carried at the main truck of all vessels of war in commission. When the Dutch Admiral Van Tromp hoisted a broom at the top of the mast of his vessel to indicate his intention to sweep the English from the sea, the English Admiral hoisted a horse-whip, indicating his intention to chastise the Dutchman. Hence the coach-whip pennant was adopted as the distinctive insignia of a war vessel in commission for service.—New York Tribune.