Strike a pawse: Meet the adorable new mascot who has just begun Watchman training
Few things make for a more perfect – or adorable – mascot than man's best friend, and the next in line to take on the role of Watchman of the Staffordshire Regiment Association has just been announced.
Private Watchman VII has fetched the King's shilling and will now begin his training, taking over from his predecessor, LCpl Watchman VI, who took up his duties in 2019.
The honorary title, which doesn't quite roll off the tongue as much as Buster or Winnie, has been given to a succession of Staffordshire Bull Terriers, which are gifted to the veteran's organisation by the people of Burton-on-Trent.
The dog days are (not) over
The now-disbanded Staffordshire Regiment have kept the courageous and incredibly affectionate "nanny dogs" as their mascots since 1882.
Attending ceremonies and leading parades, they have proven popular amongst residents, and the mascot even holds the Freedom of many Staffordshire towns.
Perhaps the most famous – Colour Sergeant Watchman V – took over the position in 2009, serving with the 3rd Battalion Mercian Regiment and later the Staffordshire Regimental Association.
He extended his paw on several occasions to the late Prince Philip, was shortlisted for an Ambassador of the Year award, and even won the "paw-blic" vote in the Westminster Dog of the Year competition.
There have been five Watchmen since 1949, a name given as a modern iteration of the tradition, which started after the Second World War.
When a Watchman passes, they are buried with full military honours in St Edwards Square in Burton-upon-Trent, and another takes their place.
After the 3rd Battalion was withdrawn and merged into 1st and 2nd Battalion of the Mercian Regiment, the Watchman now carries out his duties as mascot to the Staffordshire Regimental Association and the Staffordshire Regiment Museum.
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