This week in 1964, Rhodesia adopted a new flag, marking a significant shift in the country’s identity. The new flag featured a light Royal Air Force blue ensign with the shield from Rhodesia’s coat of arms, a design that was notable for being the first use of a lighter shade of blue ensign by a British colony. This change came amid growing tensions between white Rhodesians and the British government, which had been pushing for democratic reforms in the colonial state.

The adoption of the new flag was a response to the dissolution of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland, which had united Southern Rhodesia, Northern Rhodesia, and Nyasaland under a single entity. The federation had its own distinct flag, featuring a British blue ensign and the shield from the Federal coat of arms. However, with its dissolution on December 31, 1963, Southern Rhodesia became known as Rhodesia, although its legal name remained the Colony of Southern Rhodesia.

The 1964 flag was later replaced by a green and white tricolour design in 1968, which featured the full coat of arms in the center. This flag remained in use until 1979, when Rhodesia briefly became Zimbabwe-Rhodesia and adopted a new flag featuring pan-African colors and the Zimbabwe Bird. The evolution of Rhodesia’s flag reflects the country’s complex history and its journey towards independence.

Dandaro Online, Zimbabwe This Week In History