I think they are also bandsmen who would be the stretcher bearers during any battle that would explain the "injured" man in the bottom of the photo and almost certainly a training exercise
So bandsmen were so named because of the bands that carried the stretcher?
Not because they played in the band. Coincidentally Grandad did play in the band! Have learnt something else, thank you.
It is great how a simple question can lead to so much more, brilliant.
Regarding the "injured " man you could cut yourself on the creases on his trousers

I didn't honestly think the pic was for real but had to ask.
So I will date that picture between 1908 -1913. Fantastic.
Jane
