Flags had been in some cases used as rallying features all through battles; squaddies could collect around their colorings for morale

https://ericksigh824.birchreport.com/posts/a-collector-s-dream-finding-historic-civil-war-flags-for-sale

Flags were occasionally used as rallying issues throughout battles; squaddies would bring together round their colors for morale improve while faced with overwhelming odds.