In 1348 Edward III established a premier order of Knighthood in England, with Saint George as its patronage. The Red Cross was worn by English troops during the reign of Edward I in the 1270’s. So it was, the Red Cross on a white background was adopted in the 12 th century by Genoa, with Saint George as their patron.
On the 28 th June 1098, crusaders at the siege of Antioch, stated that a great army on white horses, led by Saint George led them into battle. His reputation grew as warriors returning from the crusades, spoke of Saint George leading them into battle, wearing upon his person the red cross on a white background… it gave the troops confidence in battle. Stories were written of this martyr Saint George through the ages. On the 23 rd April, he became known as Saint George. One Georgios Gerontios, born of the 3 rd century, a tribune in the Roman Army imprisoned, tortured and finally beheaded on the 23 rd April AD303 in Nicomedia, for not turning from his Christian faith. So where does the Red Cross on a white background originate from? It became a symbol, worn by many troops, announcing they be warriors fighting crusades in the Holy Land. The red cross on a white background, was associated with the Knights Templar, and by 1188, the English and French troops of Phillip II of France and Henry II of England, proudly displayed it, as part of their tunic.