Drumhorse 1956

There was no permanent drumhorse for the Greys after mechanisation in 1941. In fact Lairdsburn, the last of the drumhorses was left behind when the Greys, and their band, went to Palestine in 1938. After the war the band were no longer mounted but were still performing in full dress on occasions like the Edinburgh Tattoo of 1956. This photo shows the kettle-drummer, who is not named, mounted up on a black horse borrowed from the Household Cavalry. It was a rehearsal for the Tattoo and the band wore the pre-war service dress. For the performance the drummer wore the white goatskin cap which was borrowed from the Castle museum along with the shabraque. The harness, drum banners and dress uniforms were still owned by the regiment.

Regimental Details | Band