Mending the flag
Before WW1, the US Navy ordered each and every American battleship to have
within its arsenal at least one sewing machine and one sailor, sufficiently proficient in the “art of tailoring”:‘REPAIR OF FLAGS – Although ships carry spare sets of flags, Signalman or third class petty officers may be assigned to
repair bunting. If a bunting space is available, it will contain a sewing machine, bunting, thread, tapes, and tabling material. If a bunting repair space is not available,
repairs may be done by using a sewing machine located in the deck spaces.’U.S. Navy Signalman – Popular
Mechanics, Volume 14Photo:
WW1, sailor/tailor mending the flag on the deck – Ministère de la Culture, France