From the East Kent Mercury, 4 March 1971.

The "Drum Major" - this is to be the name of one of Walmer's most famous public houses: The "Cambridge Arms" in Dover Road and opposite Jubilee Gate at the Depot, Royal Marines, takes the name. A new inn-sign has been painted by Bass Charrington artist, Mr. Bill Pearce, an the model was the Corp's Senior Drum Major. Drum Major Charles Bowden. Bass Charrington say they are happy to perpetuate their links with the Royal Marines, who first came to Deal in 1664 as the Duke of York and Albany's Maritime Regiment.

A new inn-sign will swing in Dover Road, Walmer, next month when the 150-year-old Bass Charrington public house, the "Cambridge Arms" changes its name to "Drum Major." On the bright new inn-sign will be the portrait of Royal Marine Drum Major Charles Bowden, the Corps senior drum major.

Bass Charrington is re-modelling the public house and its interior will be decorated with Royal Marines relics and items of historic interest.

District manager, Mr. Peter Stevens, says; "We are looking out for any items of interest, especially instruments, which old Royal Marines may have."

The "Drum Major" inn-sign is the work of Walmer Brewery artist, Mr. Bill Pearce, who painted it from colour pictures of Drum Major Bowden, supplied by Basil Kidd.

Drum Major Bowden, who lives in John Tapping Close, Deal, says: "The likeness is excellent - there couldn't be a better portrait if completed by as academician."

He joined the Royal Marines in 1940, following both his grandfathers, his father and three uncles, and was a sergeant within three months.

He took part in the battle of Crete, was taken prisoner, but escaped and then reached a point near Sidi Barrani after nine days at sea in a damaged landing craft with little food and water.

He has been Drum Major since 1950 and has taken part in almost every ceremonial occasion since.

TRADITION.

He was awarded the British Empire Medal in 1957.

Says Mr. Stevens: "There could be no better subject for our project. Drum Major Bowden epitomises the three-hundred year tradition of the Marines."

One bar in the "Drum Major" will be called the Gibraltar, the other the Zeebrugge: both commemorating two epic battles in which Royal Marines fought.

The manage is an ex-Royal Marine, Mr. Clarance Boulder.

Opening date of the "Drum Major" is Monday, April 26, 1971, when Drum Major Bowden will unveil the new inn-sign.

The "Cambridge Arms" was built over a century ago and was named after the first Duke, a son of George III, who visited Walmer Castle in 1839 as guest of the Lord Warden, the Duke of Wellington.

But, emphasises Mr. Stevens: 'The "Drum Major," for all its historic interest, will be anything but a historic pub.'