Drummers' Room 1899

This full page photo was published in the Navy and Army Illustrated on 14 Jan 1899. The caption is titled 'The Drummers' Room of the Grenadier Guards.' and goes on to say, 'The drummers of every battalion, though attached to one or other of the companies for the purposes of pay, live and mess together, and form a little company of their own. That there is good taste and esprit de corps among the men of the drums is evident from the above illustration.'
The noise of so many different instruments being practiced at the same time must have been overwhelming. The beds are visible with neatly folded blankets and sheets, and kit stored on shelves above. Photos of former Grenadiers line the walls. The men, and boys, mostly wear the white undress jacket, some with a pair of long service stripes on the left forearm. On the table is a catalogue from Henry Potter & Co who supplied instruments and band equipment from their premises at 36/38 West Street, London WE2. The open page shows drummers of the Grenadiers. A slightly updated version of the page can be seen at Drummers' Positions c1910.

Regimental details | Band