Corps of Drums 1846

The other side of the Angelo Hayes print which showed the Band and Pioneers reveals the 8th Regiment marching past and turning on itself, with the drummers marching in front of two mounted officers who would be the Commanding Officer and Second in Command. There are two ranks of drummers, 12 in all, representing the 12 companies. The uniforms aren’t very clear but the sleeves are decorated with chevrons of blue and white lace. This would be white lace with blue fleurs-de-lys repeated. The drummer of the 1839 print did not have this sleeve ornament. They all have valises and rolled greatcoats and wear the 1844 Albert shako like the men in the rest of the regiment.
The pouches on their back right hips are white leather with a brass badge. The rank-and-file men have a plain black leather ammunition pouch without a badge. The shoulder wings are not clear in this print but are blue and white like the drummer of 1839. The men marching behind the mounted CO belong to the Grenadier Company, wearing well-padded shoulder wings. This compares with the group following who have white fringed epaulettes. The man nearest to us in the front rank is an officer, holding a sword. His shoulder wings are gilt and he has gold lace on his collar. His sword scabbard is supported on a white shoulder belt and he has a red sash around his waist. The mounted field officers have white waist-belts to support the scabbard on white slings. And they have gold fringed epaulettes.

Regimental Details | Drummers & Musicians