Last week I found this in the Maciejowski Bible:
http://www.medievaltymes.com/courtyard/images/maciejowski/leaf9/otm9vd.gif

On the right you see two men beating small drums. This miniature depicts the battle between the armies of the Israelites under Joshua, and their enemy Amalek. Amalek's soldiers seem to be equipped rather oldfashioned, with a glimpse of oriental skin.
I already heard that these drums were in origin Arabic, but my informer was surprised that they had been brought to the west as early as 1250.

Does anyone know more about drums and their use on the western battlefields?

Lawrence

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As to how they were employed, I think there's a thread on the forum somewhere that addresses this topic. I'll see if I can dig it up.

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From the danish paylists and invoicebooks their exact number follows.
The troop consisted of 3983 men.

Of it were altogether 26 Drumer (named „Trommelschläger“) and 20 Piper.
Of it in the company of the leader 9 Drumer and 3 Piper.
In each individual company ever 1 Drumer and 1 Piper.

Interesting is also, which these musicians the double wages got.

Only one example, which clarifies, in late 15th Century drums ,or also military music, generally a large role played.

regards Wolf

Sources:
Georg Galster: Danske Middelalderlige Regenskaber, Kobenhagen 1944