What Are War Flags?

War flags have been used by national militaries during wars and conflicts and they served to symbolize both the fighting force, as well as the country they are representing. These flags, however, were much more popular in the past, especially during the 19th and 20th centuries, while in the contemporary world it is more common for a nation at war to simply use their standard, national flag.

In countries such as China, Bolivia, Brunei, Japan, Portugal and the United Kingdom, former war flags were closely based on the design and layout of each country's respective national flag. In Finland and Sweden, war flags have also served as naval ensigns.

Some of the most famous war flags included that of the Confederate States of America, which was used between 1861 and 1865, during the US Civil War. The Nazi Wehrmacht's flag, which included a black swastika in a white circle, found on a red background is easily recognized by anyone with an interest in modern European history.