The Beating of Drake's Drum

I came across this historic account today in a reputable history book and thought you might find it interesting.

As Francis Drake lay dying in the West Indies in 1596, he asked for his drum and then ordered it to be sent back to England, swearing to return to defend his country when it was in danger.

It was returned to Buckland Abbey.

The drum was said to have rattled when Napoleon Bonaparte was brought to Plymouth after the Battle of Waterloo.  It has been hear three times recently.

1. When WWI started.

2. The drum was taken on board the Royal Oak and sounded when the German fleet were approaching in order to surrender – so perhaps it was a victory salute? Men were sent below by the Commander to find out twice what was making the noise and twice they returned having found nothing.  The Commander himself went below as all men were at battle stations – nobody could have beaten the drum. When the Royal Oak dropped anchor the drum stopped.

3. The last time was during the darkest hours of WW2 when British forces had crossed the channel and were being driven back across the beaches by the Germans.  The drum was heard to sound.  A miracle was required to stop our forces being massacred.  From the coastal towns of England, anything that could sail, set sail and brought our men safely home.

I was deeply touched that over four hundred years later, Drake was still spiritually present to aid this country in times of danger.  Can Mustafa tell us any more about Drake and how he helps us in times of danger?

From Annie in East Sussex

Friday, 14^th May 2010

Mustafa's reply is THIS NOBLE ENGLAND 
on the Answers Site for Monday, 17th May 2010