Flag of Bermuda
A Red Ensign: a red field with the Union Flag in the canton and Bermuda's coat of arms in the fly. The arms show a lion holding a shield with a ship wrecked on a rock.
What the flag means
The shipwreck refers to the Sea Venture, wrecked in 1609. The Latin motto, Quo Fata Ferunt, means 'Whither the Fates carry'.
History
Before 1910 Bermuda used a Blue Ensign with a seal showing a dry dock and three sailing ships. The Red Ensign form was first adopted on 4 October 1910. The coat of arms was enlarged in 1999. Under the Bermuda Merchant Shipping Act 2002 the flag is also used as a civil ensign at sea, and a Blue Ensign with the arms is used by the government.
Most British Overseas Territories fly a Blue Ensign on land. Bermuda is unusual in using a Red Ensign.
Earlier flags of Bermuda
- 1875–1910Blue Ensign with a seal of a dry dock and three sailing ships
- 1910–1999Red Ensign with a smaller coat of arms
Sources
- Wikipedia: Flag of Bermuda
Last reviewed 24 October 2026. Read how we research flags in our editorial policy, or report a mistake.
