Army regiment announces new sheep mascot

An Army regiment has announced a new sheep mascot following the retirement of its predecessor.

The Mercian Regiment said the new Pte Derby XXXIII was officially selected by the Duke of Devonshire from his flock at the Chatsworth Estate in Derbyshire.

The Swaledale ram will be used for ceremonial purposes and was appointed alongside Notts III, whose sole role is to be Pte Derby XXXIII's companion.

The Mercian Regiment said predecessors Cpl Derby XXXII and Notts II would now head "for a much deserved retirement".

Cpl Derby XXXII, who served for seven years, met King Charles in 2022 to receive his promotion from Pte to L/Cpl.

He was promoted to Cpl in July, his last engagement before his retirement.

The first Pte Derby was acquired in 1858 by the 95th (Derbyshire) Regiment of Foot and became the mascot of the Mercian Regiment when it formed in 2007.

The new 33rd Pte Derby is an "official soldier" and has his own Army number.

He also gets a wage to buy his rations and even takes a Christmas holiday for a re-ewe-union at Chatsworth's petting farm.

Cpl Philip Thornton, the Mercian Regiment's Ram Major, said he had to travel up to Swaledale in Yorkshire to choose which rams to be brought to Derbyshire.

"[The] New Pte Derby XXXIII is around 18 months old, which is a good age to have him as he is now coming into maturity," he said.

Cpl Thornton said the ram was undergoing training to ensure he was ready for future public engagements.

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