"Trooping The Colour AND Regimental Mascot" Topic

Where does the regimental mascot and his/her master stand when the flag is going through the ranks? Assuming there is a regimantal mascot. I've not seen this on U-Tube or elsewhere. No guesses now or clever ponderings. Just the facts, if you please. I'm thinking of duplicating this for a photo story on the Campaigns of General Pettygree Colonial blog. I want to be correct and respectful about this.
Respectfully,
Bill
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Blog Address:
generalpettygree.blogspot.com
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During the ceremony shown two weeks ago, the wolfhound and his handler were standing off to the side – just in front of the crowd to the right of No.1 Guard/Escort to the Colour – and took no part in the Trooping itself. During the BBC programme, one of the two presenters actually showed the mascot and handler, although she didn't talk to them during the ceremony itself.

The Irish Guards is the only Household regiment that has a mascot, so the positioning is unique to them. I can't say what happens with mascots of regiments outside of the Household Division, as their parades/ceremonies won't necessarily be the same.

I'll try and find a YouTube video that shows this.

On this part, you can see the mascot leading the band as the troops march onto the parade ground (c. 1:10):-

YouTube link

Found it – go to 2:15

YouTube link

Because some of these animals can be a little unpredictable, the regiments tend not to put them too much in the centre of events.

Thank you,
This answers my inquiry.
Kind regards,
Bill

I cut out an article that ran in the June 25, 2006 issue of the local newspaper about the mascot of the 1st Battalion, Royal Welsh Regiment. The goat, Billy, was supposed to be leading the march for the Queen's birthday parade. Its handler was unable to keep it under control, and it darted from side to side, throwing soldiers off their stride. It tried to "head-butt the waist and nether regions of the drummers."

Billy was demoted from lance corporal to fusilier as punishment for his misbehavior, so privates (known as fusiliers in this regiment) no longer have to salute him.

The article notes that there are 11 ceremonial pets in the British army and they do not go to combat zones. Good thing, too--if I were being head-butted in the waist and nether regions . . .

Grelber

My fave Regimental mascot is of what is now called the "Yorkshire Regiment"-- 2 ferrets Imphal & Quebec.their uniform is a smart Regimental jacket..they must be spectacular on parade!!!

The article notes that there are 11 ceremonial pets in the British army and they do not go to combat zones.

Back in the WWII, one of the British parachute units actually had a pet chicken that jumped into action with them (held in a bag by her handler). Ended up dying in action for one reason or another, though.

Griefbringer

<<The article notes that there are 11 ceremonial pets in the British army and they do not go to combat zones.>>

That may have reduced with recent amalgamations – this is a current list, but being "Wiki" is incomplete (no Royal Irish Regiment wolfhound, or Parachute Regiment shetland pony, for starters).

link