Striking the colors
![HMS Iphigenia striking her colours at the Battle of Grand Port (historically, happened the day after)](/Images/godic/202502/13/Grand_Port_mg69810756.jpg")
![Alternative fashion: HMS Nereide surrendered at the Battle of Grand Port: the French flag has been hoisted over the British ensign as to indicate both the captor and the previous masters of the ship.](/Images/godic/202502/13/Grand_Port_mg69790756.jpg")
Striking the colors, meaning to lower the flag (the "colors") which signifies a ship's or garrison's allegiance, is a universally recognized indication of surrender, particularly for ships at sea. For a ship, surrender is dated from the time the ensign is struck.