Different military companies in the middle ages carried different custom flags to mark themselves. This was because they each stood for different principles and were trained differently. Nonetheless, they were knights. And their distinction among themselves proved instrumental in managing armies during those days. After all, radios were developed then. And commanders had to rely on different techniques to relay orders to specific companies.

Knights at that time were very revered. They served different functions both during battle and during an occupation. This was because their companies were formed around a cause. And since they were formed during a time when religion dictated the actions of individuals, their causes were also formed around a religious doctrine. Some companies founded and maintained hospitals in their occupied territories. Others enforced laws supervised the implementation of laws. These were ultimately reflected in their custom crest flags.

The difference between these companies is seen even in their fighting style. Some knight orders focus more on horseback fighting styles. Others prefer to be on the front lines. This kind of distinction serves a very important purpose in battlefield strategy. This allows commanders to determine their positioning as well as their troop movement.

If commanders can’t see what they command and give the wrong orders to the wrong company like flanking orders to an already engaged frontline company or charging orders for horseback companies into prepared spearmen formations, they could lose the battle. This is why there are assigned standard bearers in each company that carry variants of light pole banners on the battlefield.