No way do you need 3 or 4 inches depth of base. 2 should be plenty. I would get the ground firm, whack it down with a lump of wood or even just jump up and down a bit. Use a mix of sharp sand and cement, ratio of 4:1 by volume. Wet it enough to hold together well without being sloppy, you need it to be able to support the flag obviously. Lay a full bed for each flag, not that 5 dollop rubbish. Stick the flag on, tap it down a bit and if the weather's hot cover it up with plastic or whatever if you can to stop the mix drying out too quick. A bit of a bodge but if you do it thoroughly it'll be a good job.