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Navigation Title:<\/b><\/td>Regt Mascot<\/td><\/tr>'); metaDataWindow.document.write('
Keywords:<\/b><\/td>regiment mascot wfr derby mascot mercian<\/td><\/tr>'); metaDataWindow.document.write('
Description:<\/b><\/td>The history of the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regimental Mascot Pte Derby<\/td><\/tr>'); metaDataWindow.document.write('
Content Contact:<\/b><\/td>Andy McDougall<\/td><\/tr>'); metaDataWindow.document.write('
Telephone:<\/b><\/td>++44(0)115 9465415<\/td><\/tr>'); metaDataWindow.document.write('
Email:<\/b><\/td>rhqmercian.notts@btconnect.com<\/td><\/tr>'); metaDataWindow.document.write('
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FOI Status:<\/b><\/td>Releasable<\/td><\/tr>'); metaDataWindow.document.write('
Copyright:<\/b><\/td>UK Crown Copyright<\/td><\/tr>'); metaDataWindow.document.write('<\/table>
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  Pte Derby XXVIII on parade in Derby after the Freedom March on 2 August 2006 (c) M Siddons

 

  

THE REGIMENTAL MASCOT

(The Official Mascot of The Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment)
 The Capture of the first Regimental Mascot at Kotah in India

The 95th Derbyshire Regiment were, since 1858, famous for their Regimental Mascot, a Ram. He was and still is known as "Private DERBY" and has been held on the official strength of the Regiment since that time. He has his own individual system of numbering (beginning with No1 to the present 28th ) and documentation. In addition he is given his own regimental number (currently M/4970028) is on the ration strength and draws his rations like any other soldier, albeit he tends to favour a much different diet.

The first Private Derby was acquired in 1858 by the 95th (Derbyshire) Regiment of Foot at the Seige and capture of Kotah during the Indian Mutiny Campaign of 1857 - 1858. The Commanding Officer whilst on one of his forays within the town, noticed a fine fighting ram tethered in a temple yard. He directed Private Sullivan of the Number 1 Company to take the ram into his possession. We are not told what were the intentions of the Commanding Officer in taking the ram, but if it was with the anticipation of a sound mutton dinner, then he must have gone hungry, for the Ram was not slaughtered.
 Pte Derby XXVII with the Ram Major   Since that time there has followed a succession of fine rams, each of which has inherited the official title of "PRIVATE DERBY" followed by his successive number. The earliest replacement Rams were presented to the Regiment in which ever part of the world they were serving in at the time. however, since 1912 it has become the tradition for the Duke of Devonshire to select a Swaledale Ram from his Chatsworth Park flock and present it to the Regiment. It is a tradition the Duke is proud to hold, in recognition of the close association between the Regiment and the Dukes of Devonshire.

However, as with most things, there have been odd departures from tradition and in 1924, DERBY XIV was presented to the Regiment by His Highness Sir Umeo Singh Bahador GCB GLSI GCIE The Mohorac of Kotah.

When on parade "Private Derby" wears a coat of scarlet with Lincoln green and gold facings, the whole emblazoned with the Regiment's main Battle Honours. Also on his coat is to be found a replica of his India Mutiny Medal and his General Service Medal 1962 with Clasp Northern Ireland for he has been stationed there several times over the years. On his forehead is to be found a silver plate suitably embossed with the Regimental Cap Badge while on the tips of his horns fit a pair of silver protectors. These latter are not as might be imagined to protect the horns, but rather to protect the clothing of the Ram Major, Ram Orderly and visitors, of which he receives a great number each time he appears in public.

"Private Derby" has two handlers whose duty it is to look after him at all times. The senior handler carries the Battalion rank of "Ram Major" whilst the other has that of "Ram Orderly". It is the Ram Major's responsibility to prepare Private Derby for all parades and the many other appearances which he makes from time to time. They also escort Private Derby when he is on parade by standing, one on either side, leading or controlling him with two white ornamental ropes which are attached to a leather collar.

Pte Derby XXV

Derby XXVIII being groomed by his handler

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derby XXVIII on Parade

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pte Derby XXVIII

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derby XXVIII leading the Battalion to Buckingham Palace

  

FAMILY TREE

Derby 1 : Captured at Kotah in India 1858 and died in 1863

Derby II : 1863 - 1867

Derby III : 1870 - 1874

Derby IV : 1874 - 1880

Derby V : 1881 - 1882 Presented by Duke of Devonshire

Derby VI : 1882 - 1884 Black Ram Presented by HH The Nawab of Rampur

Derby VII : 1885 - 1891 A Kashmir Ram Presented by Col J N Crealock

Derby VIII : 1891 Presented by the Maharaja of Ulwar

Derby IX : 1894 Presented by the Maharaja of Ulwar

Derby X : 1900 - 1907 Presented by the Duke of Devonshire

Derby XI : 1907 - 1912 Presented by Major Roddham 5th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers then quartered in Malta

Derby XII : 1912 Presented by the Duke of Devonshire

Derby XIII : 1919 Presented by the Duke of Devonshire

Derby XIV : 1924 - 1930 Presented by HH The Maharao Mahendra Shri Sir Umaid Singh II Bahadur of Kotah

Derby XV : 1930 Presented by HH The Maharao Mahendra Shri Sir Umaid Singh II Bahadur of Kotah

Derby XVI : 1936 Presented by the Duke of Devonshire

Derby XVII : 1946 Presented by the Duke of Devonshire

Derby XVIII : 1952 - 1956 Presented by the Duke of Devonshire

Derby XIX : 1958 - 1963 Presented by the Duke of Devonshire

Derby XX : 1963 - 1966 Presented by the Duke of Devonshire

Derby XXI : 1967 - 1976 Presented by the Duke of Devonshire (This Ram was the last of the Sherwood Foresters Regiment and the first of The Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment - thus maintaining the link)

Derby XXII : 1976 - 1977 Presented by the Duke of Devonshire

Derby XXIII : 1977 - 1983 Presented by the Duke of Devonshire

Derby XXIV : 1983 - 1984 Presented by the Duke of Devonshire

Derby XXV : 1984 - 1995 Presented by the Duke of Devonshire

Derby XXVI : 1995 - 1998 Presented by the Duke of Devonshire

Derby XXVII : 1999 - 2004 Presented by the Duke of Devonshire

Derby XXVIII : 2005 Presented by the Duke of Devonshire (On 1 September 2007 The Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment became 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Worcesters and Foresters) and DERBY became the official mascot of the new Regiment