The Drum Prelude. For many centuries music has played an important part in military ceremony; and the magnificent bands of the British Army fittingly carry on a splendid tradition. Many old customs are still observed in connection with military music; and the Drum Prelude is an interesting example of these. Before a battalion commences its march; the drums of the band perform this ceremony. For the first two beats of the bar the drums sound a roll; silence being observed for the other beats. We show in full dress the drummers of the Band of the 2nd Battalion; Black Watch. Illustration for one of a set of 50 cigarette cards on the subject of Interesting Customs and Traditions of the Navy; Army and Airforce issued by Lambert & Butler in 1939.