Tri-Service

Shear Effort Pushes Private Derby Up Through The Ranks

The British military lives by its traditions and precedents. Each regiment, battalion or unit do things their own way, especially so when it comes to military mascots.

The latest achievement by a member of the Army's menagerie is The Mercian Regiment's Private Derby XXX. The Swaledale Ram played a starring role in a memorable parade to celebrate the Regiment's Formation Day, and earn a 'first stripe' for the Private, now Lance Corporal.

L/Cpl Derby is officially classed as a soldier, with an ID Card and Army Number. He also draws a wage for his rations.

L/Cpl Derby is officially classed as a soldier, with an ID Card and Army Number. He also draws a wage for his rations.

The ram, one of only seven official mascots in the British Army, hoofed it onto parade as The Mercian Regiment celebrated its Formation Day at Dale Barracks in Chester.

Another mascot, William Windsor of the Welsh Fusiliers, had a close encounter with one of our reporters in Cyprus:

More From Forces TV: The British Army's Menagerie of Mascots

Lieutenant Colonel Ben Wilde, CO of 2 MERCIAN congratulated L/Cpl Derby XXX on his achievement:

"This is the latest in a long line of ‘Derbys’ to have served as our Regimental mascot, and not all of them are as well behaved as our newest was today - he is well deserving of his promotion."

He continued,

"But today is not all about him: exactly eight years ago the regiment was formed, and over those years we have developed one of the strongest operational pedigrees in the British Army and so it is important that we celebrate that."

The first Private Derby was acquired in April 1858 by the 95th (Derbyshire) Regiment of Foot at the Siege and capture of Kotah during the Indian Mutiny Campaign of 1857-1858.

Since that time there has followed a succession of fine rams, each of which has inherited the official title of Private Derby followed by his successive number.