Follow the drum: (See To follow the band and Band party). To “Follow the Drum,” in its origin, is a very old Army expression, equivalent to enlistment, from the historic custom going back centuries, of drummers being sent into towns and villages to “beat up” for recruits by marching through beating their drums to attract young fellows, who followed after the music and were enlisted by the accompanying recruiting officers.[1]
References / notes
- ↑ Edward Fraser and John Gibbons (1925). Soldier and Sailor Words and Phrases. Routledge, London p.83.
Glossary of words and phrases
The above term is listed in our glossary of words and phrases of the Armed Forces of Great Britain during the Great War. Included are trench slang, service terms, expressions in everyday use, nicknames, the titles and origins of British and Commonwealth Regiments, and warfare in general. These words and phrases are contemporary to the war, which is reflected in the language used. They have been transcribed from three primary sources (see Contents). Feel free to expand upon and improve this content.
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