Current Role
Eventually, as the use of musical instrument on the battlefield diminished, corps of drums looked to fill specialist roles within the battalion while still retaining their original role for ceremonial purposes.
Several different strings of logic have seen corps of drums employed in many varied roles. Because the corps would often be employed in support of the battalion, in areas such as delivering mail or designating billets, they are often given the role of assault pioneers, or supporting-fire (machine gun) platoons. The corps of drums role on the battlefield was originally to signal orders, and therefore some units are organised into signals platoons, operating radios. Corps of drums were also deployed to march under the parley flag when officers of opposing met to discuss terms of surrender, etc. Therefore some corps of drums perform a liaison role.
Historical duties such as uncasing the colours on parade and various other privileges are continued in most units. Due to specialist duties and ceremonial aspects of a drummers life, a corps of drums may be the unofficial custodian of regimental customs and traditions.
Corps of drums are drawn from the whole battalion, and are attached to the battalion HQ. Above the drum major as its head, the corps is usually answerable to the battalion's adjutant.
Read more about this topic: Corps Of Drums, Corps of Drums in The British Army
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