https://en.wikipedia.org/
We all grew up wishing we could be in a rock band; jamming with our friends, playing to sold out crowds. But have you ever dreamed of being a drummer in a war? This was the reality for some unfortunate young men throughout history.
It makes sense that the armies thought it too much to give the young ones guns, and instead hand them a percussion instrument.
You can't say these weren't a brave bunch. When I was twelve I was crying in the corner of a laser tag warehouse because I ran into a wall looking for the exit. When these drummers were twelve they were able to keep a rhythm with bullets and cannonballs whizzing by their heads.
Was life on the farm that bad that you'd rather take up this role?
It makes me wonder what the originators of this tradition were thinking. I mean, of all the instruments, why choose the one that sounds most like gunfire? You could imagine the utter defeat in the drummer boy's spirit as his beats are drowned out by an endless stream of gunshots.
https://maubrecht.wordpress.com/
The actual function of the drummer was to regulate the re-loading of gunfire and hopefully raise morale. They also stretchered wounded soldiers and assisted the surgeons, so they were not only band members. The position was officially done away with during World War I, as that would be insane to have a drummer boy pattering away among the planes, tanks, and gas attacks.
And can you name a single drummer boy?
They don't get much attention. They are the nameless, faceless that were crazy enough to agree to this insane position. It gets you thinking during our times of TikTok and Fortnite if all hope is lost in today's youth.