Military mascot Watchman VI receives a promotion

The mascot for the Staffordshire Regimental Association has received a promotion.

Their four-legged friend led a military band and veterans to receive his sergeant stripes.

It was a full-scale event at Defence Medical Services (DMS) Whittington with Watchman VI leading the Mercian Community Band and Drums, as well as veterans on the parade square before receiving his own three chevrons.

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Watchman VI is the sixth mascot of the Staffordshire Regimental Association since the Second World War.

The Regiments of Staffordshire have traditionally had Staffordshire Bull Terriers as mascots since 1882. 

In 2007, the Staffordshire Regiment officially disbanded before merging to become the Mercian Regiment.