BRITISH NAVAL ENSIGN

The Royal Navy of the United Kingdom is the oldest of the British armed services. From the 18th century to the middle of the 20th century, it was the largest and most powerful navy in the world, playing a key part in establishing the British Empire as the dominant power of the 19th and early 20th centuries.

In World War II, the Royal Navy operated almost 900 ships. With the collapse of the Soviet Union, its role for the 21st century has returned to focus on global expeditionary operations.