At 16 drummers to a battalion, a company might expect 2 or three as its drummers on the company strength. This shot has seven!
As for "leave" the concept did not exist as such, there was no entitlement, but men of good conduct were allowed an extended furlough once the training year was completed.
So, I still do not buy a simple "company photo" theory.
Staff caps were not issued to most of the SNCOs, the most one sees in a battalion is about 9 or 10, whereas there were some 45 or so sergeants and CSgts without them.
Staff status was accorded to [different regiments had a slightly different take on this]:
Sergeant Major
Bandmaster
Schoolmaster if in uniform
RQMS
Orderly Room QMS or CSgt
CSgt Musketry instructor
Pioneer sgt
Band sergeant
sergeant drummer
In addition to the cap, all wore the sword on formal occasions, with the tunic [frock in India] more highly decorated.
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