Drum Major of a Regiment of the Line and Pioneer of the Grenadier Company, 1812

Aquatint by J C Stadler after Charles Hamilton Smith, 1812.

Drum majors commanded drummers, buglers and bandsmen. The latter soldiers sounded calls, orders and signals that were followed by the rest of a battalion or regiment so they had to be controlled by an officer who was also responsible for their defence in battle. Drum majors also played an important ceremonial role, leading marching bands and concerts. Sometimes they would also administer field punishments such as flogging.

Pioneers were responsible for engineering, construction and blacksmithing tasks. They carried axes, ostensibly to clear a path for all who followed. The axe was also used to kill horses that were wounded in battle. The pioneer shown here also wears an apron which served to protect his uniform. As well as axes, pioneers used saw back swords, pickaxes, billhooks and shovels.

From Charles Hamilton Smith's 'Costumes of the Army of the British Empire, according to the last regulations 1812', published by Colnaghi and Company, 1812-1815.