The tale of a paid goat

According to Dubai-based media Khaleej Times, the oldest and most experienced regiment of the UK military is the Royal Welsh. The mascot of this regiment is a goat. For this reason, since 1775, a post has been kept for goats in the army. Goat IV Shenkin is now in that position of the 3rd battalion of the regiment.

The Royal Welsh Museum has explained the reason for the goats in the regiment. They say that during the Battle of Bunker Hill in the American War of Independence, a goat went astray. A group of soldiers from the Royal Welsh Regiment followed the goat away from the battlefield. Since then they keep goats with them for good luck.

According to Dubai-based media Khaleej Times, the oldest and most experienced regiment of the UK military is the Royal Welsh. The mascot of this regiment is a goat. For this reason, since 1775, a post has been kept for goats in the army. Goat IV Shenkin is now in that position of the 3rd battalion of the regiment.

The Royal Welsh Museum has explained the reason for the goats in the regiment. They say that during the Battle of Bunker Hill in the American War of Independence, a goat went astray. A group of soldiers from the Royal Welsh Regiment followed the goat away from the battlefield. Since then they keep goats with them for good luck.

Shenkin’s rank in the regiment is called ‘Fusilier’. Like ordinary soldiers, it can be promoted or demoted. As was the case with Shenkin’s predecessor, William ‘Billy’ Windsor I. He was demoted from the rank of lance corporal to the rank of fusilier. Because it crushed a drummer during Queen Elizabeth II’s birthday parade.

The salary these goats get is usually spent on their care. A radio and sofa are also arranged from the salary. Apart from this, one person is appointed for the goat. His job is to groom, exercise, train and prepare the goat for various events. Shenkin, the goat, who is now with the Royal Welsh Regiment, was last seen at the coronation parade of the late Queen Elizabeth’s son, Charles III.

Following a long-standing practice in the United Kingdom, the death of a goat of the Royal Welsh Regiment is reported to the reigning King or Queen. Permission is also sought to recruit new goats. According to this tradition, Kashmiri goat Shenkin was appointed in 2018.