Flags of the Civil War

by Philip R.N. Katcher

During the Civil War the regimental, battery, or company set of colors was more than simply a unit designation, issued for the ease of a commander in identifying his units in the field. It was the very symbol of the regiment; it was its heart, the thing that drew its members together. As such it was fiercely defended in action, where it flew in the center of the line, drawing enemy fire upon its carriers. Each regiment received its colors in one of its first formal ceremonies, which itself was almost an initiation into the world of the soldier. In camp, the regimental colors flew over the unit headquarters as a guide post to members and outsiders alike. In combat, it was drawn into the very center of action, where it was fiercely defended. Few things were more disgraceful than losing one's colors in battle, and extreme sacrifices were often made to save them. Philip Katcher has written over 20 titles in the Osprey Men-at-Arms series including the five-volume set on Armies of the American Civil War. Osprey

Genres: Civil War, Reference, Nonfiction

144 pages, Paperback

First published June 25, 2000

About the author

Phililp Katcher has written over 20 titles in the Men-at-Arms Series including the highly successful five-volume set on Armies of the American Civil War.

Reviews

[Sean Chick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dry Osprey book, more interesting in its discussion of Confederate flags. Illustrations were good but I felt there could have been more.