Drummer 1867

The drummer here is without his side-drum, but holds a bugle. Drummers performed both functions; drummer and bugler, also playing the fife. This is a detail from a group photo of K Company taken in Malta in 1867. A drummer was allocated to each company but they came together as the Corps of Drums on regimental or battalion parades. His tunic is red with tape down the sleeves, up the back seams and on his blue shoulder wings. The tape is white with a repeating pattern of blue fleurs-de-lys. His undress blue cap is the same pattern as the rank-and-file. Around his waist is a white leather belt which supports a short drummer’s sword which is only just visible.

Regimental Details | Drummers & Musicians