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Hi Joe,

Thank you for your comments. A Drummer's Fear is a painting of the battle on the Plains of Abraham outside of Quebec. The French in the firing line are firing up hill slightly to engage the British who are elevated from where the French are firing from. It is not possible to tell exactly how high the muskets would have been elevated, of course, but the British were at a higher elevation than their French opponents. There is a gentle slope to the battle field. While parts of the battlefield are fairly level other parts are, of course, not. I wanted to convey the idea of this in the elevated positions of their guns. It was an intentional decision. Having been to many reenactments myself, I am well aware that reenactors elevate their guns for safety reasons.

The patch on the 101st airborne is indeed on the non-standard shoulder. However, it is my understanding that wearing an insignia on the right arm is indicative of service with another unit. (He wears his "regular" unit patch on the left shoulder, and the 101st on the right). It was a mistake on my part, but is still not out of the realm of possibility. My intent was to honor the 101st, and given both the popularity of that print (it is one of my most popular) and the response from multiple veterans of WWII, I think I have achieved that goal. At my last show, a veteran of the 101st who was at the Bulge spoke with me about how he was there and how honored he felt that I had done that painting.

Again, I appreciate your comments.

Jaime

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Jaime,

First off let me thank you for taking my comments in the spirit that they were intended. Some artists can get a little touchy on the subject. To know history is to study it and by studying it learn. 18th Cent military doctrine was to fire quickly and in volleys. This was achieved by specific commands that were drilled, sometimes beaten, into the soldiers. The 18th Cent. soldier did not aim his musket, that is why they thought that actually shooting at an individual was tantamount to murder, he was taught to level then fire on command, many references to them firing over or under their intended target are found.

I do know that the WWII GI who was transferred to another unit should and sometimes did place the patches in the manner you state, usually this was done on the class "A" dress uniform, but I doubt that this was done at the Bulge. Most units were advised to remove shoulder patches at this time not to add them. I do understand your wanting to honor a specific unit in the painting though and applaud your quest to honor all fighting men.

Again, thank you for the opportunity to speak with you and to put forth my comments.

Joe

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Originally posted by Fitzhugh Williams

Sounds like the artist is doing a little "tap dance" around the facts.

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