Musicians in Combat

[cwbuff]

A friend of mine's ancestor was in a regimental band. He endured some teasing about this. So that raises the question did Civil War musicians fight in battle?

 

[redbob]

They were often used as stretcher bearers, collecting the wounded and assisting the doctors.

 

[southern blue]

I had an ancestor who was a musician during the war. That side of the family was always musical and still is to this day.

 

[John Winn]

Musicians were classified as non-combatants but, of course, could still get killed or wounded. As has already been said, they were employed in non-combat support jobs when not playing.

 

[Mike Serpa]

This drummer boy was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.
Great Civil WarCarte de Visiteof 9th New York, Hawkin's Zouaves, Drummer Johan Christian Julius Langbein. Posed in 9th New York Zouave uniform with tasseled fez, holding drum at his side and sticks in his hand. Near perfect condition with Fredericks/ New York backmark. Langbein was thirteen when he enlisted in the regiment on May 4, 1861, mustering out in mid 1863. He was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor January 7, 1865 for his actions at Camden, North Carolina, April 19, 1862. The citation reads, "A drummer boy, 15 years of age, he voluntarily, under heavy fire, went to the aid of a wounded officer, provided medical assistance for him, and aided in carrying him to safety. Langbein was affectionately known as Jennie by his comrades, because of his youthful appearance and went on, after the war to become a New York state judge. He was one of only two members of Hawkin's Zouaves to win a CMOH during the Civil War. A great Civil War image accompanied by a wealth of documentation.

Sold for: $5,078.75
http://historical.ha.com/itm/milita...ohan-christian-julius-langbein/a/6021-57442.s

 

[East Tennessee Roots]

A friend of mine's ancestor was in a regimental band. He endured some teasing about this. So that raises the question did Civil War musicians fight in battle?

http://civilwartalk.com/threads/confederate-fifer-37th-nc.98746/#post-858908

 

[cwbuff]

Thanks for the information. They must have viewed them as important and harder to replace than the cannon fodder.

 

[thomas aagaard]

Thanks for the information. They must have viewed them as important and harder to replace than the cannon fodder.

Iam sure I in a month can teach a man the drill he need to work in a unit...
Iam not sure I can learn the skills needed of a musician in a month.