the drummer boys use was to warn officers when some one was attacking them,to call officers when somebody needed help
The drummer boys drummed orders to the troops and were a vital part of battle communication, but many of them were killed because fire was aimed at them to stop the orders from getting to troops. There are reports of some when the drums were destroyed they picked up a gun and fought. The average age of the drummer boy was about 12. Drumming wasn't the only thing the boys did. While in camp they would carry water, rub down horses, gather wood and cook. There is evidence that one was a barber for the troops when he wasn't drumming. They also helped carry wounded off the field or assisted in burial details.