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OFFICER CADET’S WHITE COLLAR DRUM MAJOR’S STAFF (MACE)
BOARD / GORGET / EPAULETTES
The Drum Major’s Staff was introduced into
the British Army for the Sergeant Drummer in
the 18th century and it is not simply a
designation of appointment but is used to
define drill movements and signal the band.

The staff is made of Malacca cane with metal
bands fixed at intervals from which is
attached to a metal chain. Its overall length is
five feet two inches. When not in use it is
placed in a sans down bag and stored in a
wooden case provided for the purpose.

Cadet Rank

The Cadet Officer’s white patch, as an
insignia of rank, came into use in 1758. It has
been suggested that the patch is all that
remains of what used to be a white coat collar, DRUM MAJOR’S SHOULDER BELT
which went out of use because the ‘Young (SASH)
Gentlemen’ used to dirty it too quickly. No
support can be found for this doubtful theory. Before the appointment of the Drum Major
The significance of white, however, is of great in the early nineteenth century, the senior
antiquity; to it our word candidate is related. drummer of “Sergeant Drummer” wore no
Candidus, Latin adjective for white, referred distinctive shoulder belt. He wore a standard
to the pure colour of the togas worn by those pattern leather drummer’s carriage which
aspiring to high office in the Roman was fitted with metal or leather loops. The
government. The same purity motif is seen loops secured the drumsticks when not in
with a bride’s wedding dress. The Cadet use. When the Drum Major’s appointment
Officer’s white patch probably stem from this was authorised, the Drum Major’s shoulder
Roman origin. belt became representative of the Sergeant
Drummer’s carriage still retaining the
The Cadet / Trainee rank was introduced to drumsticks and loops, but with the additions
the Specialists in 2008 and subsequently in of embellishments such as the regimental
2009 for the MDES and in 2014 to the badge and devices. The ensuing years saw the
SAFVC. shoulder belt become more elaborate as battle
honours were added. Gradually the
drummer’s stick became smaller to make