Bristol 2014 The City And Conflict From The First World War To The Present Day
Bristol 2014 is part of the First World War Centenary Partnership
Bristol 2014 is supported by:
It is coordinated by Bristol Cultural Development Partnership.
Moved by Conflict: Object 3: Regimental Bass Drum
In 1915 the newly formed 15th Battalion of the Gloucestershire Regiment took possession of a new bass drum for the regimental band. It was painted with the insignia of the Glosters (the Egyptian sphinx) and the regiment’s battle honours, from the eighteenth century French wars to the Boer War. The band was perhaps used to recruit men into the army.
The young Eirene Champney saw the band of the 4th Battalion Gloucestershire Regiment parading down Whiteladies Road in November 1914:They were playing a glorious tune with the drums & pipes. The drummer with the big drum, however, is quite a sight. He throws his drumsticks to a tremendous height, & catches them most adroitly.
Over 50,000 young men volunteered or were conscripted into the forces from Bristol, of whom some 6,000 never returned. (ref G1450 given by the Bristol Citizens’ Recruiting Committee)
(c) BMGA
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