The Band & Pioneers 1846

Military bands were a late development in the British Army. Musicians were not on the official establishment in the early days, having to be paid for by the officers, so the bands were made up of about 10 musicians. This was confirmed for the King’s Regiment by an Inspection Return of 1792. The drummers, however, were on the establishment, and did not form part of the band. Initially, musicians were not even soldiers, but talented civilians prepared to wear uniform. Thus the uniform was distinct from that of the rank-and-file. Most regiments clothed their musicians in white coats.
This detail is from a print drawn by M Angelo Hayes, lithographed by Walker and published by Henry Graves & Co, Pall Mall, and A Le Sage of Sackville St, Dublin. The print was no.14 out of 15, published on 30 Oct 1846. The band march at the head of the regiment, led by the Drum-Major and preceded by the Pioneers. The Drum-Major wears regimental uniform as he is the head of the Corps of Drums, not the band. The three ranks of bandsmen play various wind instruments while percussionists bring up the rear. They beat drums but are not in the Corps of Drums. The white tail-coats have dark blue facings and epaulettes. The trousers and shakos are of similar pattern to the rest of the regimental uniform, although the shako plate would have reflected their musical status.
One musician has different colours on his uniform indicating that he is the Bandmaster. This man, at the end of the third rank, has gold epaulettes and gold lace on the front of his collar. He also has a red sash around his waist. The Drum-Major wears a tall bearskin and a drum-major’s sash on his left shoulder. He has rank stripes on his right arm and carries a mace. He also wears a sword slung from a belt on his left shoulder.
The pioneers marching at the front have black belts instead of white, and brown bags on their back instead of black ammunition pouches. One man can be seen to wear a brown apron and it may be assumed that the others also wear aprons. He also carries a firearm slung reversed on his shoulder. The man in front of him is not a pioneer but is an armed escort, having white belts and a rifle ready for use. He also has a valise and rolled greatcoat whereas the pioneers are not so encumbered.

Regimental Details | Drummers & Musicians