Drummers

 

Above are two drummers from the Foot Grenadiers of the Guard.

Drummers were of paramount importance during Napoleon's era as they weren't simply a way to provide a beat while parading but the infantry, artillery and to some extent the cavalry relied on them to beat duty calls during daily military life and crucially for the transmission of orders during battles.

Below are a Fusilier Chasseur drummer (left) and a Fusilier Grenadier drummer (right) from the Imperial Guard.

And then come a drummer from the Foot Artillery of the Guard as well as a drummer from the Foot Dragoons.

Drummers would wear a special apron to protect their uniform from the friction of the drum.