3. Drummer Boy 1810
9th East Norfolk regiment, Napoleonic Wars.
The drummer was a respected and well-paid role in the British army. The drummer boy was a junior role and acted like an apprenticeship.
If he survived this dangerous role, he could rise through the ranks. However, his bright coat made him a target for French snipers who would take out the drummers to disrupt communications, as the drummers would beat out the commands in the heat and noise of battle.
As a county regiment, the 9th wore red with yellow facings. The drummer therefore wears yellow with red facings. This drummer is dressed for service in the Peninsular War.
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