This page is part of © FOTW Flags Of The World website

Royal Dutch Life Saving Society

Koninklijke Nederlandsche Redding Maatschappij (KNRM)

Last modified: 2014-10-04 by andrew weeks
Keywords: knrm |
Links: FOTW homepage | search | disclaimer and copyright | write us | mirrors


[KNRM pennant] image by Jarig Bakker, 21 May 2007

See also:

KNRM pennant

Here is a link to stickers showing the flag-related emblems of three Dutch life-saving societies (KNRM with orange crown, here): The middle one (KNZHRM) is shown flying on a boat, see photo on the same page.  Surely the horse shoe-like object is a life preserver.
Here is a KNRM pennant as advertised on Geman eBay: blue with white orange bordered chevron pointing to – and touching - the hoist, white royal crown (stylized) in upper hoist corner, white initials KNRM (no serifs) in fly. Offered as item no. 170069502466 by “tanzschuhmeister”, end 21 Jan. 2007.
Dimensions are given as 35 x 50 cm.
Jan Mertens, 20 May 2007

KNRM old version

[KNRM old version] image by Klaus-Michael Schneider, 20 May 2007

Royal Dutch Life Saving Society / Koninklijke Nederlandsche Redding Maatschappij (KNRM)

On 11 November 1824 Noord en Zuid Hollandsche Redding Maatschappij (NZHRM) was established in Amsterdam.
On 20 November 1824 Zuid Hollandsche Maatschappij tot Redding van Schipbreukelingen (ZHMRS) was established in Rotterdam.
26 December 1824 first rescueing using a rowing boat; five people had been saved.
In 1865 first retreatment room for shipwrecked was established in Terschelling.
In 1885 a baywatch system based on watchtowers was established.
In 1949 both organizations gained the title "Koninklijke" (=Royal).
In 1951 the search and rescue service of Dutch Navy was established.
In 1953 the last rowing boat was replaced by a motorboat.
In 1974 both organizations are celebrating there 150-anniversary together.
On 22 May 1991 the KNZHRM and the KZHMRS merge, forming the KNRM. As usual the date of establishment 11 November 1824 was kept.
In 1999 the KNRM celebrates its 175-anniversary.
For further information: See Society's website.

Description of flag: Old version: It's a blue flag divided by an orange cotized white saltire. In the centre of the flag is a blue crown.
Source: this one or similar spotted on 26 November 2006 at Modellbauwelt Hamburg on a donation box. This image is based on a photo of Arie van Dijk (KNRM).
Klaus-Michael Schneider, 20 May 2007

KNRM - newer version

[KNRM newer version] image by Klaus-Michael Schneider, 20 May 2007

Newer version: It's a white flag with the orange logo and black capital letters "KNRM" at the bottom edge of flag. The logo to me seems to show a drowning person (head above two waves).
Source: spotted on 26 November 2006 at Modellbauwelt Hamburg.
The new flag might have been established after the merging in 1991, but I couldn't find out more details. I also do not know, whether the "old" flag is flag of the KNRM or of one of its predecessors.
Klaus-Michael Schneider, 20 May 2007