87 YEAR OLD WOOLLEN HOOKED FLAG MAT.

listed below are the names of each country who’s Flag appears in the flag mat.

Left to right, top row

1. United Kingdom
2. Poland
3. Denmark
4. I ran
5. Mala
6. Ethiopia

left to right, second row

1. Grease
2. Norway
3. Turkey
4. France
5. Belgium
6. Ireland

left to right, third row

1. Pakistan

2   Jordan

3   Iceland

4   Cuba

5   Finland

6   Sweden

left to right, fourth row

1. Netherland
2. Czechoslovakia
3. Dominican Republic
4. Panama
5. Chilie
6. Columbia

The 87-Year-Old World War II Woollen Flag Mat: A Unique Artifact of Allied Unity and Family Legacy

 Available for viewing at the Royal Canadian Legion, District 1, Branch 56 Museum,

To the best of my knowledge and research, this World War II flag mat is one of a kind. While there are other hooked woollen flag mats, none depict all the Allied nations—including those in exile—at the time Germany declared war in 1939 and into 1940. It stands as a priceless, handmade artifact from a distinct and turbulent era in history.

The mat has never been appraised—neither monetarily nor otherwise—and it should not be. Who can place a price on a genuine, unique piece of history? It has never undergone repairs. However, in 1995, water damage caused some of its vibrant colors to bleed through the hooking, particularly in the flags. A hemp-like fiber cloth backing was removed to help the mat dry properly; the backing was discarded due to severe damage during removal and was never reattached. The mat remained in perfect condition from April 1940 until May 1995, and since then, it has remained slightly compromised.

Created by and for the Ladies’ Homeland Defence League in London, England, work on the flag mat began in late November 1939, continued through December, and was completed in February 1940. The flags, carefully hooked into the mat, represent all the major Allied nations—including those in exile—who fought against Nazi Germany in 1939 and early 1940. As the war progressed, many more nations joined the Allied cause, including the United States, which did not enter the war until 1941 and therefore is not included in this Flag Mat.

The sole purpose of the flag mat was to serve as one of many prizes in a fundraising event conducted by the Ladies’ Homeland Defence League in 1940. In early 1940, Able Seaman First Class James Mercer of the British Royal Navy, having completed his training and on furlough awaiting assignment, purchased a ticket. His ticket was drawn as the winner, making him the sole owner of the flag mat. Before taking possession, he received a brief overview of its creation and purpose.

The main intent behind the flag mat was to honor all those who fought for freedom against Nazi aggression in 1939 and early 1940. The flags were carefully hooked into the mat to represent the unity of the free world. Profits from the fundraising event were to support those in need and displaced persons in London and across England. It was also meant to serve as a reminder of freedom and a rallying point for all free nations to unite.

Later that year, James Mercer was granted another furlough from his ship, the Southern Prince—a converted cruise ship from the Prince Line, repurposed as a mine layer and serving as the Admiral’s flagship. This time, he spent his entire furlough at home in Upper Island Cove, Newfoundland and Labrador. He took the flag mat with him and entrusted it to his mother for safekeeping.

After six years of faithful service in the British Royal Navy, James Mercer received an honorable discharge. In early 1946, he returned to Upper Island Cove. That same year, he married Mildred Peddle of Bishops Cove. They stayed with his parents temporarily until they could build their own home.

In 1947, while their new home was still under construction, they moved in. His mother returned the flag mat to him and his new bride. In 1953, James Mercer sold his house in Upper Island Cove and relocated to a new home in Bishops Cove, taking the flag mat with them. It was always lovingly displayed for all to see.

The flag mat remained in his possession until 2005, when he presented it to his son and namesake, James E. Mercer. After James Mercer Sr. passed away in 2008, it was decided to place the flag mat in a museum. The Mercer family owned the flag mat for a total of 82 years—65 years under James Mercer Sr., and another 17 years under James E. Mercer. As of its donation to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 56, the flag mat is 83 years old.

On May 12, 2022—shortly after noon—the flag mat found a permanent home at the Royal Canadian Legion, District 1, Branch 56 Museum, located on the Boulevard in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. In its new home, it will have aged another four years to this date.

James E. Mercer *** May 12, 2022 *** copyright protected all rights protected