Description

The Ensign of H.M.S. IMPREGNABLE, flown at the bombardment of Algiers, 27th August 1816,

a Royal Navy ensign of navy blue bunting with a Union Flag in a canton; sewn to the ensign, in yellow bunting letters 12 ½" (32cm) high, the title IMPREGNABLE
66"x146" (168cm x 371cm)

Footnote

H.M.S. Impregnable, a Second Rate ship of 98 guns, was Admiral Milne's flagship at the bombardment of Algiers and flew this ensign at her stern, the blue colour signifying that she was a ship of the Blue Squadron, of which Lord Exmouth was Admiral and Milne Rear Admiral. Milne's personal flag, as Rear Admiral of the Blue, was a rectangle of navy blue bunting and was flown at the mizzen-top. The ship's name was added to this ensign after the battle, perhaps by Impregnable's signalmen, to add to its significance as a souvenir for Milne. When Milne was granted augmented Arms following his knighthood, his crest was blazoned as: out of a naval crown, a cubit arm holding the flag of a Rear Admiral of the Blue, inscribed with the word 'IMPREGNABLE'.