South African Ceremonial & Burial Coffin Flag (Union & SADF Period, 1928–1994)

An original South African military ceremonial and burial flag, used to drape the coffin of serving personnel and veterans during formal funerals, repatriations, and state ceremonies. This flag design represents the national flag of the Union of South Africa (1928–1994), featuring the orange, white, and blue tricolour with inset miniature flags (Union Jack, Transvaal Vierkleur, and the Orange Free State flag).Used by the Union Defence Force (UDF) and later the South African Defence Force (SADF), these coffin flags were part of official military honours and used across multiple conflicts and ceremonial duties, including in the Border War, Angola, and internal security operations.Typically issued in large, heavy wool or cotton formats, they were either returned to the next of kin or retained by regimental quartermasters. The use of this flag ceased after 1994 with the adoption of the new South African national flag post-Apartheid.