Military mascot
Military mascot refers to a pet animal maintained by a military unit for ceremonial pruposes or as an emblem of that unit.
It may also be referred to as a ceremonial pet or regimental mascot.
British Army Mascots
"Official" British Army mascots are entitled to the services of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps, as well as quartering and food at public expense. There are also mascots whose costs are borne by the regiment or unit itself.
(formerly Royal Welch Fusiliers)
- Goat
The Welsh regiment was presented with a goat from the royal herd in 1746, and current mascot Billy is a descendant from the same bloodline. The goat is given full honours of an officer by all ranks and attended to by the Goat Major.
(formerly Royal Welsh Regiment) Goat. Shenkin II, a Royal Windsor White goat.
Ferret. At the moment there are two ferrets, Imphal and Quebec
Drum horse. Ramillies, the largest horse in the British Army, was presented to the Regiment by the Colonel-in-Chief, HM The Queen in 1989. Standing over 18 hands high he he has his own rank (Major) and ration book.
Drum Horse. The present drum horse, Winston, was presented by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother.
Irish Wolfhound. Presented as a mascot to the regiment by the members of the Irish Wolfhound Club, who hoped the publicity would increase the breed's popularity with the public.
The first mascot was called Brian Boru, after Ireland's great national hero. There have been 12 more since, all named after Irish High Kings or heroes. Originally, the mascot was in the care of a drummer boy, but is now looked after by one of the regiment's drummers and his family. The Irish Guards are the only Guards regiment permitted to have their mascot lead them on parade. During Trooping the Colour, however, the mascot marches only from Chelsea Barracks as far as Horse Guards Parade. He then falls out. He does not participate in the trooping itself.
Shetland Pony - Cruachan. Since 1922 there have been three mascots, all called Cruachan. The first, Cruachan I, officially became the Regimental Mascot in 1929 when he was presented to the 1st Battalion by Princess Louise, Duchess of Argyll and Colonel-in-Chief of the Regiment.
Inherited from a predecessor Regiment The 95th Derbyshire Regiment Ram - "Private DERBY". The present mascot is Derby XXVIII, presented to the regiment by the Duke of Devonshire in 2005. The first Private Derby was acquired in 1858 by the 95th (Derbyshire) Regiment of Foot at the Seige and capture of Kotah during the Indian Mutiny Campaign of 1857 - 1858. The Commanding Officer whilst on one of his forays within the town, noticed a fine fighting ram tethered in a temple yard. He directed Private Sullivan of the Number 1 Company to take the ram into his possession. When on parade "Private Derby" wears a coat of scarlet with Lincoln green and gold facings, the whole emblazoned with the Regiment's main Battle Honours. Also on his coat is to be found a replica of his India Mutiny Medal and in addition he now wears the General Service Medal 1962 with Clasp Northern Ireland for he has been stationed there several times over the years. On his forehead is to be found a silver plate suitably embossed with the Regimental Cap Badge while on the tips of his horns fit a pair of silver protectors. "Private Derby" has two handlers whose duty it is to look after him at all times. The senior handler carries the Battalion rank of "Ram Major" whilst the other has that of "Ram Orderly".
Black Buck. An Indian Black Buck Antelope. Inherited fom a predecessor Regiment The Royal Warwickshire Fusiliers.
External links
- http://www.armedforces.co.uk/army/listings/l0133.html
- http://www.army.mod.uk/wfr/regimental_mascot.htm
- http://www.army.mod.uk/fusiliers/battalions/1st_battalion/traditions.htm
- http://www.sptimes.com/2006/06/25/Worldandnation/British_army_demotes_.shtml
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