"Early War Confederate Flags, one or two per regiment?" Topic

Hi Everyone

What are peoples thoughts about flags of the Confederate Regiments really early on, ie 1st Bull Run. Did they carry one or two into the field of battle?

I know the ANV ordered only one flag per regiment later on, but at Manassas would the regiments have two flags flying?

My preference is for a mix. I'm doing Jackson's Brigade, so most will have the first National Flag and the flag of Virginia. I've given the 33rd Virginia a company flag (green Irish) rather than the state flag 'cus it looks nice, but one or two other regiments might just have the National flag.

What do folks think?

Nick

Early war a state flag would be appropriate. Later, manpower was needed for other things than carrying extra flags and being in bands. The 1st Texas still had a Lone Star at Gettysburg but I haven't read of others. Our membership may well have greater knowledge.

Two is better than one. Looks better.

When it comes down to "historically accurate" and "historically plausible and what I like?"
"historically accurate" goes out the window!
Its my toy army men, my money, my collection, my game and I will do with it as I please.
Two flags are way cooler looking then one.
Also, I do not care that units like Light Calvary and Cossacks did not have flags -- mine all do! --- Why -- because flags look cool !!

Russ Dunaway
Mighty ruler, king,and lord over the Old Glory kingdom.

Well many cossacks did have flags Russ. You can raise your beer and enjoy no critics.
I have one nearby who thinks purple French artillerists look better. Sometimes…

Excellent advice from the mighty Russ!

What Ho old Bean, how are you?

Just in a merry mood topsy is all.

I have some old Heritage Confederate figures I painted back in the 90s. The package came with two flags. The early national flag and an ANV Confederate battle flag. Not knowing any better, I assumed the manufacturer intended the regiment to have both flags. Afterall the Union regiments had two. They should know what they are doing, right?

Found out a few years later that they were giving you an option. Also found out that the ANV Battle flag was the replacement for the early national flag and would never have been carried at the same time.

I never bothered to change them. Never heard a peep from anyone. Took them to conventions, club games, pick up games etc. Until last month someone finally called me out about the two flag CS regiments. They did it in a nice way. It was actually quite funny. I think a state flag along with another flag is fine but I would go with one.

I usually only have one flag per Confederate regiment, but certainly early on you could use two

2 flags for me, I like having state flags.

In the early War, the use of a State flag was often up to the regimental commander unless told no be higher command. He was the one who had to pay for it.

Many companies are muster arrived with two or three company flags depending on how many groups were in it. These were turned in and they were issued a Corps flag. Hardee's, Polk, etc. the company flags were retained and used as bivouac camp flags.