Malta, 1943
The white and red colours were considered Maltese National colours since the Normans under Roger I ended Muslim rule. Some people flew an unofficial flag of white and red during the first half of the 20th century. In 1943 the George Cross awarded to the people of Malta was placed on it in a blue canton, in line with the new badge. On 9 November 1954, Queen Elizabeth II approved the red and white flag as an official flag of Malta.