Manx flag flown in 1991 Gulf War
Date made: 1991
Description: Manx Flag - red fabric flag with white and yellow triune, flown on command vehicle of 4th Armoured Brigade (Desert Rats) during the Gulf War conflict, 1991. Framed & glazed. This flag was sent to British troops in the Gulf in 1991 by the Manx Gulf Mum's Association, which was organised by Mrs Malone (Mrs Malone's son was in 14th/20th Hussars in 4th Armoured Brigade). It arrived with the crew of Brig Christopher Hammerbeck's command tank in 4th Armoured Brigade, who flew it during the liberation of Kuwait. In 1992 Brig Hammerbeck returned it to the Isle of Man, and presented it to Mrs Malone. Through the offices of the Governor it was presented to the Manx Museum.
The flag is depicted in the painting 'Objective Copper South' by David Rowlands, being flown from the turret of a British tank. The British 4th Armoured Brigade made contact with the enemy at 2030 on 25 February 1991 at Objective Bronze. With the collapse of Iraqi resistance here, Brigadier Hammerbeck shifted the 14th/20th Hussars onto a communications headquarters known as Objective Copper. He approached from the south whilst other troops advanced on the main position and a running battle ensued as the Iraqis tried to flee.
The flag can be viewed in our ‘Mann at War’ Gallery in the Manx Museum. The exhibition commemorates the role of Manx men, women and children in conflict from the 1700s to the present day.
Object name: Manx Flag
Collection: Costume & Textiles Collection
ID Number: 1992-0072