Royal Welch Fusiliers Statue And Memorial Garden

18 March 2023

Lance Corporal Shenkin IV, Regimental goat of the 3rd Battalion The Royal Welsh

The goat is the official mascot for the Regimental Mascot of 3rd Battalion The Royal Welsh

A goat is the traditional mascot for the Royal Welsh, with different regiments having different names for their goat.

Official goats have a regimental number, a rank - Shenkin IV is a Fusilier - and can be promoted and demoted, just like regular human soldiers. One of Shenkin's predecessors, William 'Billy' Windsor I, was once demoted from lance corporal to fusilier for headbutting a drummer during a parade for Queen Elizabeth II's birthday celebrations.

However, they often outrank the soldiers themselves and can even receive a salary.

The salary goes towards his uniform, food and accommodation, which often (believe it or not) comes fitted with a radio and a sofa, according to the Royal Welsh Museum.

A goat from one of the other Royal Welsh regiments was even given up to two cigarettes a day to eat. This no longer happens.