Canadian Red Ensign (WWII 1922-1957).

After King George V ordered a new coat of arms for Canada in 1921, the shield of the Canadian Red Ensign which had had dozens of variations over the years was finally standardized. The original coat of arms had green maple leaves, and it was not until the 1957 that the coat of arms was modified to have the red maple leaves reflected in the last Red Ensign before the maple leaf flag became Canada's flag in 1965.

In 1945, the Governor General signed an Order-in-Council stating "The Red Ensign with the Shield of the Coat of arms in the fly (to be referred to as 'The Canadian Red Ensign') may be flown from buildings owned or occupied by the Canadian federal Government within or without Canada shall be appropriate to fly as a distinctive Canadian flag."

Please Note:

Canadian Red, Blue, and White Ensigns, as well as Royal Canadian Air Force Ensigns can be purchased by the public.