In streets across Redditch, the red and white of St George’s Cross and the proud Union Jack are fluttering in the late summer breeze. Behind many of them are the tireless efforts of one remarkable father-and-son team.
Both servicemen (one retired, one still serving) spent the weekend side by side, lugging ladders from lamppost to lamppost and raising flag after flag.
For them, “Operation Raise the Colours” is more than a movement: it’s a mission of pride, community spirit, and love for their country.
The father, a proud veteran, and his son, currently serving in the Royal Navy and home briefly on leave, have poured hours of graft into transforming streets with patriotic colour. They’ve done it all at their own expense: buying flags, ties, and equipment out of their own pockets. The people of Redditch have noticed: cars have pulled over to press donations into their hands, passers-by have cheered them on, and only a tiny handful of naysayers have tried to dampen their spirits.
They’re not alone, either. Across the town, other groups are doing the same, raising flags, raising spirits, and raising a sense of pride in what it means to be British.
This week, the Standard caught up with the father-and-son duo to ask what drives them, how it feels to see whole streets decked out in patriotic colours, and why Redditch has rallied so strongly behind this grassroots movement.
What does Operation Raise the Colours mean to you personally?
“To me it’s about showing that being British and English is something we shouldn’t feel ashamed of. We are a nation whose identity is slowly being silenced, and raising our flag is for everyone who feels Britain is their home — whether through birth, naturalisation, or legal immigration.”
How did you first get involved in putting up the flags?
“I was infuriated when Birmingham Council started taking down British flags while the Palestine flag has been up in areas for well over a year. It felt like double standards and I wanted to show my support for those who had spent their own money and time putting them up. This is a statement of pride.”
What’s it been like working together as a father-and-son team — one veteran, one serving sailor?
“My son was so eager to help that on his last weekend at home before three months away, he chose to be out with me rather than relaxing at home.”
What kind of reaction have you had from the community?
“The vast majority has been positive, with people both young and old, male and female, stopping to talk and even donate. One person shouted ‘racist’ as they drove past, but that word has lost all meaning as it’s thrown around so often — just like the slur ‘far right.’”
How do you feel when you see a whole street lined with flags you’ve raised?
“My wife finds it amusing that I keep going back to check on them all. It makes me happy that it’s also helped others feel pride in our hometown.”
Which areas have you covered, and how many flags so far?
“Greenlands Drive, Rough Hill Drive and Colefield Drive. So far we’ve put up 90.”
Where are you getting the flags?
“We got them from Amazon initially and then a bulk purchase online.”
How much is it costing you?
“£300 so far — but we haven’t put them all up yet, we still have about 110 left.”
Do you want to be named?
“Incognito, please.”
Isn’t it a bit scary climbing halfway up lampposts?
“It’s terrifying, especially if the ground is uneven. My son is much more confident.”
Why fund it all yourselves?
“I didn’t want to ask others to contribute as I know how tough it is out there for people financially.”
What do you hope people in Redditch feel when they see the flags?
“I hope they feel a sense of national pride and unity.”
Have you been surprised by how big the movement has grown?
“From putting up an initial 14 flags myself, it’s great to see other people across the town decide to put their own flags up organically. This hasn’t been a coordinated effort.”
What advice would you give to anyone thinking of joining in?
“Number one is safety first — we don’t want anyone getting hurt. Number two: clean up your own rubbish, including the clip ties. Number three: don’t go out on your own. Number four: be prepared for lots of horn beeps from passers-by — it’s great encouragement.”
Have the police seen you?
“Two police cars drove past and there was no interaction.”
What do your friends and family think?
“They’re all really supportive.”
How many more will you put up?
“I still have 110 left, but as my son has gone back to base I’ll need another mate to help.”
Can the people of Redditch do anything to help?
“The positive comments online are really motivational. Don’t let anyone fool you into thinking this is racist or far right.”
What do you say to those who call it racist?
“Everything the left disagrees with is labelled as far right or racist. Even our British countryside was branded racist at one point. Every other country is allowed to be proud of their flag, and so should we.”
Why both the St George’s Cross and the Union Jack?
“I served under the Union Jack, but I’m also English. In Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales they are rightly proud of their individual identities, and we English should be afforded the same. Some want to define our flag as an emblem of racism, but we can’t let them erode our identity. St George was a Christian who chose death rather than renouncing his faith — I think that’s very pertinent in England right now.”
Though one has now returned to active duty, both father and son say their mission continues — at sea, in service, and here at home in Redditch. And judging by the many positive comments about the flags flying proudly across our town, it seems our Redditch community is right behind them.
Main Image: For illustration purposes only. Image created with AI.
