REGIMENTAL MASCOTS

The dictionary defines mascots as 'deemed to bring good luck'. Many mascots are indicative of the recruiting area of many Regiments such as our Derbyshire Ram and the Welsh Goats.

When the custom of having Regimental mascots first started is not clear, the earliest record being of a goat belonging to the Royal Welch Fusiliers in the American War of Independence.

The only record of a medal being presented to a Regimental Mascot was when Pte DERBY of the 95th (Derbyshire) Regiment was awarded the Indian General Service Medal with clasp 'Central India' equally with the rest of the Battalion on parade at Poona in 1862.

Attired in beautiful coats emblazoned with regimental badges and Battle Honours the Regimental Mascot paraded with the Band. Although dogs, goats, sheep and ponies were the most common animals used as mascots, a variety of others have been chronicled such as a goose, a pelican, a kangaroo, an elephant, a mule and a baboon.

Private Derby has been the Regimental Mascot of the 95th (Derbyshire) Regiment, the Sherwood Foresters (Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment), the Worcester and Sherwood Foresters Regiment (29th/45th) and now the Mercian Regiment.