Drummer Boy c1897

The official age for drummer boys was 14 but the rules were not strictly observed, and in this case the boy looks very young. Recruits for the Corps of Drums were found amongst the sons of soldiers serving in the regiment. It was generally agreed that to be a good side-drummer the technique needed to be learned at an early age while the wrists were supple.
Most 19th century photos of the Northumberland Fusiliers were taken on St George's Day when the drums were decked out with red and white roses. The boy is in full dress apart from his field service cap. The tunic is scarlet with white tape running up the front and back of the sleeves and back seams of the tunic. The collar and shoulder wings are also decorated with this white tape that has repeating red crown motifs. The wings have red and white fringes, the ends of which are threaded together and pulled in to give it a look of striped padding.
The white leather drum carriage has a large brass grenade badge near the shoulder. There was only one size of drum for adults and boys. Below the drum it is just possible to make out the lower part of the leather leg protector. Drummers were also buglers, and were sometimes proficient with other instruments. The bugle was strung over the left shoulder with a green cord.

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