British flags. These colours were probably captured in the naval wars fought between the Dutch and the English. Naval fleets were divided into three squadrons in the 17th century. English squadrons could be recognised by their red, white or blue ensigns (all with a red cross in the top corner) on the commander's ship. Also flown, from 1606, was the Union Jack: the flag of the united English and Scottish kingdom. English commercial companies flew different colours. The Union Jack and part of the blue ensign are shown here.