Corrected entry: The drum major leading the British pipes and drums into Messina is a corporal wearing the usual two point-down chevrons on his upper arm. British Army drum majors, who all hold a minimum rank of sergeant, wear four point-up chevrons on their lower arm (on a leather strap if in shirt-sleeve order).
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Correction: It is very possible for a corporal to have been appointed as acting drum major, particularly in a highland unit's pipe band. The pipe bands were allocated at battalion level, and the musicians had actual soldier jobs in the units (usually stretcher bearers). If the Drum Major was killed during the campaign, it would not be unusual for a lower-ranking soldier with musical training to take on the role in an acting capacity.