Drummer James White, 1st Royal Cheshire Militia, 1805 (c)

Oil on canvas by unknown artist, 1805 (c).

Being a drummer was not a purely ceremonial role. Commanders relied on musicians to communicate orders to their troops during combat so they always had a prominent role on the field of battle. Drummers were also utilised to hand out the powder on the battlefield and to act as stretcher bearers. When regiments were on the move the drummers kept the marching men in time with the beat of their drums.