A
Brief on drummers and their duties from Called
The Historic Role of Drummers
Page 67:
DRUMMERS in column of march, or close column, are with
their companies, and on the flank not the pivot one. -In line the grenadier
and light drummers are six paces behind the rear rank of their companies.
-The battalion drummers are in two divisions, and formed six paces
behind the third and seventh companies. -- In parade, at open ranks,
the drummers preserve their six paces
from the rear rank.
Page 68:
Music. The Music, in open or close column, are on the
flank which is not the pivot one; in line they are in a single rank
behind the right center company, 3 paces in the rear of the fourth
rank: in parade, at open ranks, they are between the colours and the
front rank. Music, &c. Drummers, music, pioneers, &c. will
take care not to impede the flank movements of the close column, nor
its formation into line, but will get into the rear of their respective
battalions as soon as they are disengaged from each other.
The Drill
DRUMMERS in column of march, or close column, are with their companies,
and on the flank not the
pivot one.--Inline the grenadier and light drummers are six paces behind the
rear rank of their companies.--
The battalion drummers are in two divisions, and formed six paces behind the
third and seventh
companies.--In parade, at open ranks, the drummers preserve their six paces
from the rear rank.
Drummers, music, pioneers, &c. will take care not to impede the
flank movements of the close column,
nor its formation into line, but will get into the rear of their respective
battalions as soon as they are
disengaged from each other.
RULES & REGULATIONS for the FORMATION, FIELD-EXERCISE, and MOVEMENTS
Of HIS MAJESTY'S FORCES.
GENERAL ORDERS
Horse Guards, January 1st, 1807.
DRUMMERS in column of march, or close column, are with their companies,
and on the flank not the pivot one.
--Inline the grenadier and light drummers are six paces behind the rear rank
of their companies.
-- The battalion drummers are in two divisions, and formed six paces behind
the third and seventh companies.
--In parade, at open ranks, the drummers preserve their six paces from the
rear rank.
Music.
The Music, in open or close column, are on the flank which is not the pivot
one; in line they are in a single rank behind the right centre company, 3
paces in the rear of the fourth rank: in parade, at open ranks, they are
between the colours and the front rank.
Music, &c.
Drummers, music, pioneers, &c. will take care not to impede the flank movements
of the close column, nor its formation into line, but will get into the rear
of their respective battalions as soon as they are disengaged from each other.
S.34. Wheeling in File.
The use of music or drums to regulate the march is absolutely forbid, as incompatible
with the just and
combined movements of any considerable body, and giving a false aid to the
very smallest. They never
persevere in the ordered time or any other, are constantly changing measure,
create noise, derange the
equality of step, and counteract the very end they are supposed to promote.
The order and cadenced march
can be acquired and preserved from the eye and habit alone: and troops must,
by great practice, be so
steadied as to be able to maintain it, even though drums, music, or other circumstances
should be offering a
different marked time. On occasion of parade and show, and when troops are
halted, they are properly used,
and when circumstances do not forbid it, may be sometimes permitted as inspiriting
in column of march,
when unity of step is not so critically required. But in all movements of maneuvers
whatever, and as at any
time directing the cadence of the step, or in the instruction of the recruit,
officer, or battalion, they must not
be heard.
FORMATION OF THE COMPANY.
When the company is singly formed, the captain is on the right, and the ensign
on the left, of the front rank, each covered by a serjeant in the rear rank.
The lieutenant is in the rear, as also the drummer and pioneer in a fourth
rank, at three paces distance.
S.70. When the Company is to take Open
Order from Close Order.
Rear Ranks, take open Order.
At this command, the flank men on the right and left of the rear ranks, step
back to mark the ground on which each rank respectively is to halt, and dress,
at open distance; they face to the right and stand covered; every other individual
remains ready to move.
March. At this command, the rear rank dressers front, and the rear ranks fall
back one and two paces, each dressing by the right, the instant it arrives
on the ground: -the officers move out in front three paces, and divide their
ground: one serjeant is on each flank of the front rank: -the pioneer remains
behind the centre of the rear rank; -the drummer places himself on the right
of the right serjeant.
S.71. When the Company is to take Close
Order from Open Order.
Rear Ranks,take Close Order.
March. The officers, serjeants, drummer, face to the right.
The ranks close within one pace, marching one and two paces, and then halting.
The officers move round the flanks of the company in their respective posts:
-the serjeants and drummers fall back, and each individual resumes his place
as in the original close order.
The above regards the company when single; but when united in the battalion,
other posts are allotted to the drummer and pioneer.
FORMATION of the BATTALION.
The music shall be posted in the rear of the right centre company, in a single
rank three paces behind the fourth rank:--the pioneers shall be posted at
the same distance, in rear of the fourth rank of the left centre company,
and in a single rank: the drummers of the eight battalion companies are assembled
in two divisions, six paces behind the third rank of their 2d and 7thcompanies.--The
grenadier and light company drummers and fifers are six paces behind their
respective companies.
S.72. When the Battalion takes Open Order.
The music form between the colours and the front rank.
The serjeant coverers move up to the front rank, to preserve the intervals
left by the officers.
The pioneers fall back to six paces distance behind the rear rank.
The drummers take the same distance behind their divisions.
S.73. When the Battalion resumes Close Order.
The drummers and pioneers (if on the flanks) face to the centre.
The music marches through the centre interval, and resumes its station in the
rear.
The serjeants, drummers, pioneers, &c. &c. resume their places, each
as in the original formation of the battalion in close order.
