A Harrogate man’s efforts to commemorate the sinking of a ship in the Second World War led to a social media outcry and a visit from police.
He put up a German naval flag for “less than six hours” on Friday afternoon to remember those who lost their lives in the sinking of the Bismarck on May 27, 1941.
However, the flag includes a swastika symbol, which was spotted by a passer-by who posted a photograph on Twitter that evening.
The home owner – who we are not naming because police said they are concerned about putting him at risk – said he was taken aback by the reaction.
“It’s what’s called a kriegsmarine flag. It’s not the first time it has flown – I’ve flown it twice a year, to mark the sinking of the Bismarck and the Battle of the River Plate [the first naval battle of the Second World War].
“I spoke to my neighbours and they know it’s not a racist or anti-Jewish or pro-Nazi thing. It’s just a commemoration.”
‘Naval tradition’
The man said he regularly displays flags to mark significant days in the calendar and has been doing so for almost three years.
He often puts a sign in his window explaining the significance of that day’s flag, which he said also did on Friday. It outlined the loss of the battleship along with 2,200 sailors, as well as more than 100 captured by the British Navy.
The homeowner said:
“They died for their country as much as our naval crew did for ours. It’s a naval tradition to respect your foe as well as your own men.
“My father was in the Navy and my uncle was in the air force. I’m more of a pacifist – I wouldn’t ever do anything to offend anyone.”
He said the photograph was not close enough to show the information about the Bismarck so, when it was shared on social media, it lacked the context of his explanation.
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After being posted on Twitter, the photograph was shared in local Facebook groups, attracting dozens of responses. One called the owner “vermin” while others described flying the flag as “inexcusable”, “disgusting” and “sickening”.
A handful of responses on social media identified the flag and made reference to the anniversary of the sinking of the Bismarck, as well as pointing out it was adjacent to a British naval flag and one displaying poppies.
The homeowner added:
“I did try and get a modern kriegsmarine flag but the only one that was available was a Second World War one.”
‘Repercussions’
He took down the flag on Friday evening but, on Sunday, had a visit from North Yorkshire Police officers who had been contacted by members of the public who had seen the photo.
“They were very nice – they were more concerned about whether there would be repercussions for me.
“I told them I will try and find a modern Kriegsmarine flag for next time, or I’ll put a piece of white fabric over the middle.”
We have not identified the man or given the location of his house because police said they are concerned about potential risk to the resident.
A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said:
“Police visited an address in Harrogate after concerns were reported by a member of the public about a flag in a garden. On arrival, the flag in question wasn’t on display.
“An officer talked to the resident, who confirmed he flies many different flags throughout the year and it was a naval flag flown alongside other flags to commemorate a battle.
“No further action was necessary as no crime had been committed.”
