What is the symbolic reason for the goat being mascot of Welsh Regiments?

Question

I understand why the Irish Wolfhound can be a symbolic inspiration as a mascot to the Irish Guards - in that the Irish wolfhound is first and foremost a large hunting dog - ideal mascot for a Brigade of Infantry soldiers - which, contrary to popular belief the Irish Guards actually are. Ceremonial duties come second !

However, what symbolic reason, or inspiration does the goat provide for the Welsh Regiments?.... can't be just as a means of food - cheese... milk.... meat... - in times of desperation can it?

I know that the goat, like the likes of Cormac and Connor (who I knew, and accompanied on the daily exercise on occassions) have ranks, and can, indeed HAVE been demoted, as well as promoted.

I just wonder about the symbolic use of the goat for Welsh Regiments... after all, the leek is worn by males on St Davids Day (March 1st) and the daffodil for the ladies. I know that Lava Bread is the Welsh National dish - seaweed to you and me... but the GOAT..?

Re Mr Mojo Risin - thanks for link but I think this symobolism indicative of the downsizing of Welsh Regiments over the years - QUOTE -
"A cull like this could hasten the extinction of an ancient breed. The old Welsh goat is not even protected because it was technically domesticated 10,000 years ago by nomadic pastoralists. It's crazy that in London foxes are protected, but the wild Welsh goat is not. They do not have a home anywhere. They exist only on the goodwill of landowners. Anyone can go out and kill them."

"We're not sure why feral goats are coming off the hills," said Rod Gritten, an ecologist with Snowdonia national park. "They are a lot bolder with people than they used to be. In the past you would never see them. Now they are becoming cheeky ... they just hop over fences. I suppose we could put up goat-proof fences but that would cost millions." UNQUOTE :-(

Answer 1

Regiments of the British Army have always been prone to adopt members of the animal world as their mascots: bears, apes, dogs, geese, ponies and rams are just a few that have graced ceremonial parades. Three Regiments used to parade a goat - The Royal Welch Fusiliers, the Royal Regiment of Wales, and the Royal Welsh Regiment. However on 1st May 2006 these three Regiments merged to form ' The Royal Welsh', of which Shenkin is the mascot of the 3rd Battalion.
Wild goats were at one time quite common in Wales, particularly in the mid and northern counties of the Principality. The goat, particularly the billy is hardy, stubborn, and when confronted, aggressive, and can live off the land in the most inhospitable climates - character traits that were, and still are, desirable in a soldier.

The origins of the Regimental Goat reach back to the Crimean War of 1854/56 where one of the Irish soldiers acquired a small goat kid with which he intended to supplement his meagre ration. He was on sentry duty at the time and tucked the live kid under his greatcoat.

During the night, he fell asleep, to be suddenly awakened by the agitated bleating of the animal. As he came to, he espied a Russian patrol advancing and was able to warn the forward picket who drove off the enemy.

The goat mascot was present during a review at Aldershot in 1856 by Her Majesty, Queen Victoria of regiments that had returned from the Crimea. On that occasion the Queen promised the 41st (The Welch Regiment) that upon his death, the goat would be replaced by one from the Royal Herd in Great Windsor Park. That custom has since perpetuated.

Within the 1st Battalion of the Regiment, the Goat was officially listed as Private Gwylim Jenkins. The soldier appointed as his keeper and trainer is known as the Goat Major.

The Goat often accompanied the Battalions on active service and were, when applicable awarded the appropriate service or campaign medals.

The last Goat of the Welsh Regiment to go on active service was that of the 1 Welch which accompanied the battalion to Korea in 1951.

Answer 2

Hi,

the goat is a mascot, not only for Welsh regiments, but for some English and Scottish regiments, too.

It is also the city emblem for Derby. There are a couple of reasons for this.

I don't think the milk, meat or cheese has anything to do with the adoption of the goat as a mascot. generally the British are not great goat eaters or users...however, the goat is known as a very hard-headed, 'ornery' stubborn and tough animal. It is these qualities that are admired so much by the regiments involved.

Soldiers like to think of themselves as having those qualities, so have adopted the animal as a mascot to reflect this. They also 'dress up' nicely and when groomed and decorated look well on parade.


Hope that helps,

BobFretwell

Answer 3

Irish Guards Mascot

Answer 4

Well, the Welsh have historically been shepherds and like many a lonely farmers, they found their flock to be available for their self-gratifacations. So, the goats are kind of like their lovers and they have a profound fondness for the animals. What do you call a Welsh man with two goats? A playboy!

Seriously, I am not sure why they have a goat. It can be in reference to the wild goats of Snowdonia which have been a symbol of indepence http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk_news/story/0,,1946196,00.html

or it can refer to the ancient times in Welsh mythology of the Horned God, Welsh Caerwiden. Sorry couldn't be more help.

Answer 5

Well, it's something that inspires them. Maybe it even gets them a little randy...? Probably the goats surefooted-ness and ability to eat almost anything are why the goat has been chosen?

Answer 6

many people are religious, and might be offended if the mascot is a devil. Especially a cheerleader. If a cheerleader believes in God and thinks the devil is against everything she/he believes in, there's no way they are going to want to be screaming "we are the devils!..."