They have the distinction of surviving one of the bloodiest conflicts in modern history.

And nearly 200 years after the British Army captured them from Napoleon's troops, they are still the cause of international friction.

The military drum and mace, seized at the Battle of Waterloo, are a remarkable memento of the day Britain helped to break France's domination of Europe.

But the fact the artefacts from 1815 are kept at Catterick Garrison, in North Yorkshire, still rankles across the channel.

Yesterday, in the historic surroundings of Richmond Castle, the drums were used to sound the battle cry once again.

Soldiers from the Europe's largest Army base recreated the Duke of Wellington spirit by giving a performance using the old instrument.

The Waterloo March by the garrison's military band will also be seen at a spectacular fireworks concert at the castle next month, one of the biggest events the venue has staged.

The drums have been under British guard for 185 years since being captured by the 34th Foot Regiment, from Cumberland, during a battle at the village of Arroyo dos Molinos, in Spain, prior to the Waterloo conflict.

But while our boys' efforts are recognised in a letter of congratulations from the village's mayor each year, the drums' capture remains a source of resentment across the channel.

Major Jerry Hartley, of the King's Own Royal Border Regiment (KORBR) at Bourlon Barracks, where the drums are housed, said there had been frequent calls for their returned to France.

"The French regiment asks for them back periodically. It is very similar to the Elgin Marbles, although not on the same political scale," he said. "But every year, on our regimental day, we get a letter of congratulations from the Spanish authorities saying thanks for coming to our aid 200 years ago."

The Cumberland regiment later became the KORBR and Major Hartley added: "This particular battle honour, when the drums were captured, is unique to our regiment. Nobody else has this honour."

A narrated musical score of the Battle of Waterloo will feature in a weekend of entertainment at Richmond Castle on July 8 and 9.

Further attractions will include The Phantom of the Opera and the theme to Star Wars set to fireworks. Part of the funds from the events will go to Marie Curie Cancer Care.