GERMAN FLAGS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 58, Issue 87, 22 January 1938, Page 2

GERMAN FLAGS

THE CAPTURE AT SAMOA.

SIX CLAIMS ADVANCED.

(Per Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, January 21

Claims concerning the German flags captured at Samoa now number six. For years it lias been generally accepted that three flags were taken by the invading New Zealanders, but recently two other claims were made, and yesterday a sixth German flag emerged smelling faintly of moth balls but in excellent order. It is the property of Mr Justin M. Power, a corporal at the time of the landing. Three of the flags are at the Auckland Museum, with their origin well authenticated. The secretary of the Thames Returned Soldiers’ Association (Mr T. MeCarroll) has claimed that he has in his possession the first flag hauled down by the New Zealanders, the one flying over the Post Office. He said that he took it down himseelf. The . fifth claim comes from Mr D. Richards, of Otaki. Particulars of his claim are not yet available, as corroborative information lias to be obtained from England. Mr Power related that he, as corporal in charge of a party guarding Parliament Building at Mulinuu, Apia, gained possession of the Imperial Ensign of Germany, the flag flown ..by Governor Schultz from Parliament Buildings, which was also used on and about the island.

Mr Vincent Mitchell, at present employed at the Stores Department of the New Zealand Railways, Wellington, was also present at the time the present owner obtained the flag and vouches for its origin.

The flag is interesting apart from its manner of acquisition, as the Imperial ensign of the extinct monarchy. Above a double eagle in the centre of black, white and red bands is the Crown of flag was used only with the permission Imperial Germany and a scroll. This of the Kaiser or his representative.^ It is not often that the Royal Navy resorts to using table linen for flags, but the landing party at Apia on August 30, 1914, bacl to use a table napkin for a flag of truce.' “British warships never carry a white flag; it is one of the age-old traditions, I have been told,” said Mr Power, “but on this occasion the rules of war made it imperative that a flag of truce be carried by the landing party when asking the surrender of the island. It had to be done, and the difficulty was overcome by nailing a serviette to the staff.”