|
Author: Colin Healy Article source: http://www.articlecity.com/. Used with author's permission.
The role of the military drummer is a fascinating chapter from the hidden history of drums.
Hidden, because most people are unaware of the vital role played by the military drummer in communicating strategy and keeping the machinery of battle oiled.
Battle Stations
In the 17th century, in preparation for battle, before the head on clash between rival armies, considerable time was spent manoeuvering men into position.
The drums were used to convey orders - each 'beat' having a specific meaning instantly recognisable to the soldiers.
When the drummer's 'Call' was heard, the men dropped what they were doing and immediately regrouped by their lieutenant or platoon commander to await further signals.
The Captain's order to beat the 'Troop' was a signal to shoulder muskets, advance pikes and close rank and file.
The 'March' was a signal to advance, faster or slower according to the beat of the drum, to the point of rendezvous.
The 'Preparative' signaled the men to advance in rank and file to within skirmishing distance and be ready to engage battle.
At this point the company drummers would run to where the Colonel stood (or sat on horseback) beside his own side-drummer and the standard bearer.
Engaging The Enemy
On the Colonel's order the drummers would beat the 'Battaile' or 'Charge'.
This was described by Colonel William Barriffe to mean 'pressing forward in order of battle without lagging behind, rather boldly stepping forward in place of him that falls dead or wounded before thee...'
In the thick of battle, with the sound of cannon and musket, the neighing of horses, the screams of the dying and wounded, the Colonel's voice would not be heard and the beat of the drum continued to play a vital role in communicating orders to the troops.
From his vantage point the Colonel would command his drum-major to instigate various manoeuvers. If it was required to withdraw in an orderly fashion - for relief, or to gain a vantage point, or to lure the enemy into an ambush - the 'Retreat' would sound. The soldier, fighting for his life, was well prepared - the meaning of the different beats had been literally 'drummed' into him time and time again in training.
At the onset of battle, the roar of the assembled drummers would surely instil courage in the hearts of the men (and fear in the hearts of the enemy). Possibly, in the heat of battle, the beat of the drum, detached and ethereal, took on a spiritual quality, helping the combatants to distance themselves from the horror and suffering all around.
The drummer clearly carried a huge responsibility in the orderly conduct of war. In recognition of this it was considered highly dishonourable to knowingly strike or wound a drummer in battle.
Source:
Hugh Barty-King 'The Drum - A Royal Tournament Tribute to the Military Drum' 1988 ISBN 0 9513588 0 4 If music is the passion that drives you visit Music.Bass-Clef.com for articles on the history of drums, and information on great music resources.
The Fat Lady
The operatic fat lady is singing and she has many choruses to go. As you know an opera is a musical drama. Unfortunately the one we are watching has terrible sc...
Landscaping of Hindu Religious Places
Traditionally Hindu tepmples were located either on hills or forests or river banks.In anicient times, the temples were constructed in such locations faraway fr...
Not Enough Fresh Sales Leads? Marketing is the New Sales
Your sales are down and leads are rare. The phone's not ringing. Let's blame marketing!
Get Out Of Debt Faster With Debt Stacking
You go to the mail box and scan - a couple fliers (nah), your magazine subscription (yes!) and bills (groan). Every month the bills show up and as you sigh and ...
The Fastest Way To Your After Photo
Waiting to lose weight? You probably have your "before" pictures. Why not have an "after" picture today?
Authentic or Fake?
What defines authenticity? The stitching on a shirt, a sanitized invoice, the country of origin or the packaging? I have yet to receive two identical answers to...
The Horizon Elliptical Trainer
The Horizon Elliptical is an affordably priced elliptical that comes with a one year warranty. It is considered a good buy for the money. People who have used i...
Miracle Drug Called Viagra has Led to a Sex Therapy Boom
In short, Caverta has revolutionized the way men suffering from Erectile Dysfunction and Impotence can effectively address the problem. Shop for Generic Viagra,...
Security - a Road Filled with Obstacles!
With security risks inside the corporate IT systems today growing larger companies need to focus on risk managment planning. Several steps can be taken to impr...
Ready to Lose Weight?
This article explores the stages of change, as applied to weight loss. Find out why you may get stuck if you want to change, but are not yet ready.
Dating A Professional Single
At one time or another and maybe in some people's cases all the time we've dreamed about dating a rich guy or gal. You know the successful lawyer or doctor or t...
Wall Clocks Tell Time and Decorate!
Clocks can be of any type - they could be wall clocks that not only decorates the walls, but also tells time or a mantel piece resting on one's table etc.. Wall...
Treadmill Vs Elliptical
The treadmill vs elliptical debate has been prevalent for some time. The treadmill vs elliptical debate isn't valid since selection of either one depends upon t...
Natural Options for Potency
Many new products promise a complete potency solution.This article offers some lesser known, up and coming options. These include an extract from the Irukandji ...
How to Get Traffic
You need traffic becasue to setup an online business and not get sales is a travesty.
5 Tips on Establishing Yourself As An Expert In Your Community
Become an expert in your community to attract patients.
How to Ethically Claim Ownership of Other Peoples Information
This article explains how you can ethically steal other people's info to create your own ebook in about 90 minutes.
Amazing Shower Stall and Shower Curtain Options
A guide to help you design and decorate the perfect shower.
Easily Finding A Good Stock
Forget research. Easily find winners that the "big boys" are buying.
Great Activities and Adventures in Kauai
Hawaii is made up of several islands and Kauai is one of the most famous and certainly has many activities to occupy tourists on vacation. In fact, Kauai has so...
Finding the GOLD with Ezines and Google!
Easy to read, usable information that you can apply today to the GOLD online.
The Affiliate Model – How To Make Money As An Affiliate
Affiliate programs are a very easy and effective way to make money on the Internet right? so how do they work? Essentially, affiliate programs are a way that y...
Climb and Summit Mt. Goals
Are you trying to reach a goal that feels like a large mountain to climb?
Petitioning for Your Needs
Human beings are blessed with a unique gift: the gift of prayer or petition to the Infinite for our needs. A religious person would call it prayer; others may c...
|
Print this page