Vehicle Convoy Flags

[oldlithgow]

Good Day All,
When I use to participate in vehicle convoys in the Army we used flags for the front, rear and broken down. They were carried in a three flag set. My question is when did we start using them, would they be carried in a M38a1 and if so does anyone have a set for sale?

[rob love]

They were often handed out right before a convoy although the red (or was it yellow) flags were usually stowed in every glovebox. They came in a clear plastic bag, and were simply tied to the antenna to indicate breakdown. I may have some samples out in the big shed.

I have seen the larger canvas pouches that included the 3 colours of flags and sticks....pretty sure I might even have one of the pouches stowed away somewhere. I got mine from some stores sent back after the Germany closeout. I hadn't seen them domestically. If we were making up a flag, usually some unlucky broom lost half of it's handle for the cause.

[Phil Waterman]

Hi Craig

I have a couple of US sets with Red, Yellow and (I think) Green, approximately a 3 foot staff and 1x1 flag came with a canvas bag. Out of curiosity I will photograph and measure them.

Only time we used them in a convoy we put a red flag on lead vehicle and red on the tail vehicle. We got a state cop all excited because he understood that red flag on a vehicle meant explosives and no body had told him they were moving explosives. Once he realized all the trucks were empty he was happy and then we chatted about the vehicles.

So does anybody know what the flag color protocol is?

Cheers Phil

[rob love]

According to the Stanag 2151,(Standard NATO Agreement ?) the lead vehicle in a column has a blue flag, and the last vehicle displays a green flag. A yellow flag indicates a vehicle that cannot maintain it's position in the column. Flags are to be on the left unless vehicle operation is on the left side of the road in which case the flags are moved to the right side of the vehicles.

[Eric B]

Hello

I remember our unit had a yellow nylon flag in the glove box as well as the collision report, DND parking sign and contact list for recovery as well as the work ticket.

We used the DND parking sign to avoid paying bridge or Hwy tolls. If you didn't check before you left you had to pay out of pocket and good luck trying to get reimbursed. It meant you didn’t do a proper first parade.

This was in the M38A1, M151, 5/4 ton, etc. from the early 1980's. I suspect that they had been around much earlier.

Even though we had them, I have never seen them used here in Canada.

I have a set of all three flags in plastic bags, with the orders... but of course can't find them as they are packed away safe somewhere. (Sorry not for sale)

Thanks
Eric

[oldlithgow]

When I was diving in convoys I was driving the MLVW, Itlis, 5 1/4 and M113 (Anti-Armour 3 PPCLI) all but the Itlis had a full set of flags and the Itlis had a yellow one in a bag. The M38a1 was out of service when I joined so never had any personal info on them.
(A side note) I chose to buy a M38a1 over the Iltis becouse I knew how we used to treat that poor little thing.
Thanks for the info.

[Jon Skagfeld]

I have a set of these flags all in individual plastic bags and all with a Canadian NATO NSN.

Red, Green, Yellow, Blue, approx 1'6" x 1'6".

If you are still interested, PM me an offer and an address and I could have them in the mail next day.

[Dano McLaren]

I have a set under the hood in my Iltis.
As far as them being used in Canada, I do remember them being used in convoys going into and coming out Pet back in the 60s.

[rob love]

Although my Canadian manual does not mention the red flag, the US protocol is that the red flags are put onto vehicles containing dangerous cargo.

The STanag also mentions the convoy commander, who has a black and white flag (triangulated) and is a free runner in the convoy.

Personally, I was usually in an MRT, and was usually the very last vehicle in, along with the Ambulance. I can't count the number of times I would finally reach the last leg in the day, only to find the kitchen had closed and the sleeping quarters were all taken. Fortunately, the MRT was usually self sufficient, even in the coldest of weather.