Drums are loud, so they could be used for signalling over relatively long distances in a time where there were limited options for conveying messages further than you could yell.
Audible signals do have the added benefit that in order to receive them, you don’t need to look in a specific direction, so you don’t cause any undue distraction with your signalling.
Also, in the time of line tactics, keeping the movements of your units uniform and steady was extremely important, and keeping them in step using drums was a big part of that.
Drums are loud, so they could be used for signalling over relatively long distances in a time where there were limited options for conveying messages further than you could yell.
Audible signals do have the added benefit that in order to receive them, you don’t need to look in a specific direction, so you don’t cause any undue distraction with your signalling.
Also, in the time of line tactics, keeping the movements of your units uniform and steady was extremely important, and keeping them in step using drums was a big part of that.