Drummer - Welsh Guards 1915

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The Welsh Regiment of Foot Guards was formed on 26th February 1915 by order of HM King George V. The number of Welshman transferring from other Regiments made it possible for the 1st Battalion to mount Guard at Buckingham Palace on St Davids Day, three days later. Following six months of intensive training, the 1st Battalion fought their first battle at Loos on 27th September 1915 and for the rest of WW1 as part of the Guards Division. Welsh Guards wear on the left of the bearskin cap a white - green - white plume. Being fifth regiment of Foot Guards, the buttons on the tunic, cuff and skirt are in groups of five. Both collar and epaulettes carry the leek, which was used as a Welsh emblem as early as the 7th Century and has connections with St David. The drum shown here is not emblazoned, as plain drums were in use by the Welsh Guards until after World War 1.

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