photo #8535038

"Phonograph Replaces Military Band and Drills "Tommies" — June 1917 Several striking uses have been made of the phonograph in England during the course of the present war. Before the British resorted to conscription, the talking machine was frequently employed in different ways to attract recruits. Owing, doubtless, to the lack of officers at that time, and also for the purpose of attracting curiosity seekers, recruits drilling in the public squares and thoroughfares were occasionally given their commands by phonographs. The novelty of seeing a squad of soldiers responding to orders called out by a cabinet gramophone that had been carried into the street never failed to draw the attention of passers-by, and that was what was wanted.