Missions to Seamen. Machine-sewn wool bunting with printed motif of a white flying angel on a blue background and inscription 'MISSIONS TO SEAMEN'. Rope and clip attached. Missions to Seamen was founded in 1856 amalgamating several missionary societies. Its original aim was the care of seafarers' spiritual welfare and later their physical well-being. It opened reading-rooms and clubs in ports and campaigned for improved working conditions. The society is now known as Missions to Seafarers. The flying angel flag was adopted in 1858, based on verse from Revelation 'Then I saw an angel flying in mid-heaven, with an eternal gospel to proclaim to those on earth, to every nation and tribe, language and people.'