This flag is attributed to the Welsh pirate Howell Davis, who was active in the Atlantic from 1718 to 1719. While sailing on the 32-gun Rover off the Gold Coast, he captured Bartholomew Roberts, who would later became one of the most successful pirates ever to sail the seas. The design is based on a description given in a newspaper report after he was killed in an ambush by the Portuguese. ‘… their Standard, which they hoisted at Main-topmast-head, with a Gun and Sword.’ Weekly Packet, 12/12/1719.