this post was submitted on 30 Jan 2026
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Flags in later combat were used for the same reason (and with the same notions of honor and dishonor from losing it) as Roman standards. The flagbearers were around to KEEP THE COLORS HIGH, both to encourage the troops and to give them something recognizable to follow in the chaos of the battlefield. Lost your way? Look for the standard waving at the front of your unit, and follow them forward!
The flagbearers of the US Civil War were separate from the signaling corps, who used different flags and had to run them up and down as needed.
"A man who loses the King's Colours... loses the King's friendship."
https://youtu.be/CG7daMnrNuY
Still, shooting the flagbearer is Standard procedure 😏