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The Drum Majors

There is only one Drum Major in a battalion and only 12 individuals were officially appointed as DMaj of 1 DERR (and entitled to be referred to as `Drummy’), fewer than the number of individuals appointed as CO (16) and RSM (17). The 12 were as follows, with one appointed twice: (Where two ranks are shown the individual gained promotion during his tour as Drummy).


CSjt W E Choules 9th June 1959 until later that month


Sjt/CSjt  A C Ford Late June 1959 – Summer 1966


Sgt/CSgt S D Cooper Summer 1966 – January 1969


Sgt W S Morris January 1969 – September 1970


CSgt/W02 P J Ferris R Hamps September 1970 – January 1973


CSgt RAG Coveney May 1973 – January 1975 (see note below)


Sgt/CSgt  A Hobbs January 1975 – July 1976


Sgt J Choules July 1976 – March 1979


Sgt P J C Harrill April 1979 – September 1982


Sgt/CSgt  R C J Tadhunter September 1982 – July 1985


Sgt M Davies July 1985 – July 1987


CSgt P J C Harrill September 1987 – August 1990 (2nd Appointment)


Sgt G D Smith September 1990 – June 1993

(Note. During the 3 month gap in 1973 WO2 A C Ford acted in an `officiating’ role as necessary while continuing in his posted employment in the QM’s Dept.)