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Nelson was the Vice Admiral of the White Squadron, so Trafalgar was fought under the White Ensign in 1805 rather than the Red or Blue one. In 1864 the squadron system was abandoned and the entire Royal Navy adopted the White Ensign, meanwhile the Merchant Navy was allocated the Red Ensign, and the Blue Ensign was reserved for non-military government ships. During the years since then a large number of special ensigns have been created for many organisations (including yacht clubs and government departments) whose badges have been placed onto a blue or red ensign to create a new and distinctive flag. 
Crowds expected at warship's launch
Thousands of people are expected to gather on the banks of the River Clyde for the launch of one of the world's most advanced warships.
HMS Daring will be formally launched by the Countess of Wessex from the BAE Systems yard at Scotstoun in Glasgow in a ceremony which will also be attended by Defence Secretary John Reid.
The vessel is the first of the new Type 45 Class and will be the world's most advanced warship when she enters service in 2009, according to the firm.
The multi-role ship will contribute to worldwide operations for much of the first half of the century.
Over 11,000 tickets have been issued for the launch.
BAE Systems Naval Ships managing director Vic Emery said: "This is obviously a very important day for the communities in and around the shipyards at Govan and Scotstoun but we should not forget that this is also a hugely significant day for the Royal Navy.
"Daring will represent a huge leap forward in capability.
"The successes we have had in the construction of Daring and the improvements we are delivering on the subsequent ships demonstrate that the Clyde is still the natural home of warship building in the UK."
Following the launch, it will move a few hundred yards down river to a dry dock where the remainder of the work will be carried out.
Daring will be the seventh Royal Navy ship to bear that name.