His ship had the distinction of being able to fly the Blue Ensign of the RNR ; British merchant vessels generally flew the Red Ensign .
Smith retired from the RNR in 1905 with the rank of Commander .
Smith 's ship had the distinction of being able to fly the Blue Ensign of RNR RNR ; British merchant vessels generally flew the Red Ensign .
Smith retired from the RNR in 1905 with the rank of Commander .