The Drum Prelude (colour photo)

The Drum Prelude. For many centuries music has played an important part in military ceremony, and the magnificent bands of the British Army fittingly carry on a splendid tradition. Many old customs are still observed in connection with military music, and the Drum Prelude is an interesting example of these. Before a battalion commences its march, the drums of the band perform this ceremony. For the first two beats of the bar the drums sound a roll, silence being observed for the other beats. We show in full dress the drummers of the Band of the 2nd Battalion, Black Watch. Illustration for one of a set of 50 cigarette cards on the subject of Interesting Customs and Traditions of the Navy, Army and Airforce issued by Lambert & Butler in 1939.