Section of a bass drum, Duke of Cambridge's Own (Middlesex Regiment), 1900-1902

This bass drum was carried by the Middlesex Regiment throughout the Boer War in South Africa (1899-1902).

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.