Editing Q-ship (section)

==Early uses of the concept==
The general idea and legal framework for the Q-ship derives from the classic [[ruse de guerre]] of "sailing under false colours". As a long standing element of naval tactics, warships may legally disguise themselves in various ways in transit, so long as the proper flags are hoisted before firing commences. Numerous examples exist of the tactic, used both defensively and offensively.<ref name=false></ref>

Examples of the tactic used against commerce raiders include {{HMS|Kingfisher|1675|6}} in the 1670s and French disguised [[brigs]] during the [[French Revolutionary Wars]]. An example of the latter was beaten back by the privateer [[lugger]] ''Vulture'' out of [[Jersey]].<ref>{{cite book |first=A.G. |last=Jamieson |title=A people of the sea |year=1986 |publisher=Methuen |isbn=0-416-40540-1}}</ref>{{rp|183}}