Battle ensign
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A battle ensign is the name given to a large war ensign hoisted on a warship's mast just before going into battle.
The Tonnant at the Battle of the Nile, by Louis Lebreton.
Niagara flying Perry's Don't Give Up the Ship battle ensign at the Battle of Lake Erie, 10 September 1813.
USS McFaul flying her battle ensign as she returns to Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia from deployment.
Battle ensign of the Imperial Japanese Navy.
Striking the colors
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Striking the colors—meaning lowering the flag that signifies a ship's or garrison's allegiance—is a universally recognized indication of surrender, particularly for ships at sea. For a ship, surrender
Battle ensign
…in battle; prior to action it was an acceptable ruse to fly a false flag. If a ship surrendered then it would take down its ensign (which was known as striking the colors). This is also the origin of the phrase "To nail one's colours to the mast", showing a determination to fight on and never surrender. In practice…
HMS Iphigenia striking her colours at the Battle of Grand Port in 1810
Ville de Paris striking her colours at the Battle of the Saintes in 1782