Q&A · 1:48:06-1:48:08

Did Dance use false naval colours at Pulo Aura?

Blue ensigns on selected ships reinforced the impression that Royal Navy warships accompanied the convoy.

Battle Of Pulo Aura Convoy Warfare Naval Deception Naval Ensigns

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Question

Did Dance's convoy use false naval colours at Pulo Aura?

Short answer

Yes. Ganges and four leading ships flew blue ensigns to suggest they belonged to Admiral Rainier's naval squadron.

Notes

Ganges and four leading East Indiamen raised blue ensigns at dawn on 15 February. The rest of the convoy flew red ensigns. The blue flags implied that the selected ships belonged to Admiral Rainier's naval squadron in the Indian Ocean. This reinforced the impression created by their paint, gunports, and coordinated handling.