Side drum, Russian Infantry, 1854

The inscription on this drum commemorates its capture by Corporal John Larking of the 88th Regiment of Foot (Connaught Rangers) at the Battle of the Alma on 20 September 1854 during the Crimean War (1854-1856).

Drums have been used on the battlefield throughout history. They were used to wake soldiers in the morning, to call soldiers into formation, to report for duty and other routine exercises, but most importantly drums were used on the battlefield to communicate orders and signal troop movement. Side drums, also known as snare drums, were used because the piercing sounds they produced could cut through all the battlefield noise.