@jumpugly

Yeah, that's what I thought, a Maltese Cross.

The problem is that, it is being/has been used, and in some cases abused, when adopted by various groups and or organisations for their own purposes.

I thought maybe, in this case, it was an International nautical country of vessel registration signal, the red & white from the Cross of St George.

The fact that some are rectangular 'flags' and some single and double pointed 'pennants' suggests the possibility of a ranking order too.

Maybe, Rectangle -> Single Pointed pennant -> Double pointed pennant.

Possibly, National comms -> Nautical comms -> Commercial comms.

I really have no idea tbh. But a ranking order would increase the 'vocabulary' of the overall system

I have emailed the good folk at the Irish Maritime Museum for help, so hopefully they have some ideas.

I hope so, because a British, Danish and Maltese flag on the one vessel makes no sense to me.

For all we know, Liverpool might have won the FA Cup that year and the artist is just 'taking the mickey' with all that red and white.

Hey there Avoca:
Although I don't think I am correct, the red and iron cross flag might be an ensign for Malta, and the red and white cross is a Danish ensign. Perhaps these pennants were meant for trading or destination partners?
It's a reach, I know, but throwing in my two-pence to the mystery.
😉

So, the largest flag on display, at the very rear, lowest, is The Civil Ensign, I believe.

"...The flag denoting non-military sailing ships is known as a *Civil Ensign*, also referred to as a Merchant Ensign or Merchant Flag, which is used by civilian vessels to indicate their nationality. This flag is typically the largest flag on board and is flown at the rear of the ship...." - AI

@ColRay

Thanks Col.

The Blue Peter = "All aboard, about to depart" while in harbour.

"... The *Blue Peter flag is the International Code of Signals “P” (Papa) flag, a blue nautical signal flag with a white center rectangle. When flown in harbor, it means “All persons should report on board as the vessel is about to proceed to sea.”*..." - AI.

Avoca
I must see if I can find a book I have on ships and flags ect.
The only flag I can recall on your print is the 'Plue Peter' second up rear mast Col