Scott Roberts wrote:
Does anyone know the meaning of the two crossed flags found on the
rear wings
of the Herald 1200 Convertible? They are a red "X" on a white field,
and a
blue rectangle on a white field. International flag code makes them
"V" and
"S" as far as I can tell, though this is only a close approximation,
as signal
flags are square, and these are obviously rectangular. Also, St.
Patrick's
flag is white with a red "X", but what is the other.
I quote from page 56 of John Davy's book The Standard Car 1903-1963.
John Davy was Standard Triumph's historian for many years prior to
his death. He wrote in the section relating to the launch of the
face-lifted Vanguard saloon in 1958 that was known as the Vanguard
'Vignale.' This was the first car out of the factory to display these
flags on the rear quarters and the same ones were later used for
decorative purposes on the Herald for a number of years.
"Invoking the International Maritime Flag Code, crossed motifs
embellished the rear wings, representing 'S' for Standard and 'V' for
Vignale. Nautical gentlemen were quick to point out that these flags
had other meanings when displayed at sea, viz: 'S' - 'My engines are
going full speed astern' and 'V' - 'I require assistance.' These
alternatives were not so widely publicised."
Jonmac
|