Drumhorse Billy 1904

A new drumhorse was brought into the regiment when they returned from South Africa in 1904. The Greys were stationed at Norwich until 1906 and Plum Duff (also called Mick in his final years) had been retired. The new horse was black with two white stockings on the hind legs, and called Billy. Lance-Corporal Vile was his drummer and from this angle we can see three good-conduct stripes on his left forearm. He has a white strap over his right shoulder to denote his appointment as a drummer although it performs no function when he is mounted up. He wears a black bearskin but the white goatskin was still in use at this time. The new red shabraque is worn here, to match the red drum banners that first appeared in 1896. The brown leather bridle has a red horsehair plume hanging from a thistle shaped holder. Billy lasted with the Scots Greys until 1914 but he was not an easy horse to handle. It is said that on at least one occasion he bucked and threw Drummer Vile off, drums and all.

Regimental Details | Band