Corps of Drums 1914

The Corps of Drums of the 12th Battalion Royal Fusiliers march to the Docks at Shoreham in 1914. The Drum-Major (at that time officially called Sergeant-Drummer) is Sergeant John James Cox who leads the drummers whilst playing the fife. He was formerly in the Corps of Drums of the Grenadier Guards but retired in 1909. He worked as a porter at Bethlem Royal Hospital until war broke out, and re-joined the army, being appointed Drum-Major of the Drums of the 12th Btn Royal Fusiliers. They fought at Loos where Sergeant-Drummer Cox was wounded, partially losing the use of his arm.