behind friendly infantry lines and regroup. If necessary, the infantry could fall back using alternating firing and movement. In some situations, infantry squares were used for protection against flanking cavalry attacks. This formation was effective as all sides of the square would be facing outwards, removing the risk of a vulnerable rear or flank attack, and the formation presented enemy horses with a tightly packed mass of troops and a veritable hedge of sharp weapons, discouraging them from a charge. Coordination between the different branches of the army was especially important for the Swedish victory at the Battle of Gadebusch, which was achieved largely through close coordination between the Swedish infantry and artillery. Morale & Discipline Religion Religion played a crucial role in the Carolean army. In addition to swearing fidelity to the Swedish king, the soldiers had to learn and follow the precepts and Lutheran doctrines of the Church of Sweden, and those who flouted religious regulations could be punished severely. For example, blasphemy was regarded as a capital offence. Religion was especially important for building cohesion among the soldiers, who were recruited from all over the Swedish Empire, including Bremen-Verden, Pomerania and Livonia, although Swedes and Finns always comprised a large majority. Even then, however, national identity was nowhere near as strong as it would become in later centuries, and a Swede from, say, Dalarna would feel little sense of compatriotism with one from Skåne or Ångermanland, let alone a Finn from Savonia. Religion was therefore important for encouraging a sense of unity and common purpose amongst the heterogenous soldiery, especially in the face of enemies considered to be "heretics", such as the Catholic Poles or Orthodox Russians. Prayers and Holy Communion were held before most Carolean battles, and field chaplains sometimes even accompanied the men onto the battlefield. The chaplains' sermons often reminded soldiers that they had God's protection and assistance in battle, a notion originating when Sweden fought in the Thirty Years War as the continental leader of Protestantism. After the Battle of Narva, many soldiers believed that God had sent the blizzard that led to their victory as a punishment for their enemies' sins and hubris. After the catastrophe at Poltava, many Caroleans became convinced that God had changed sides. Discipline Good discipline was vital for the Swedish army's highly aggressive gå-på tactics, which required the Caroleans to keep in formation and hold their fire