One of the UK's army regiments has promoted a ram to Lance Corporal for "exceptional performance" and "good behaviour".The ram, simply referred to as Derby XXX, has a silver plate on his forehead which is embossed with the regimental cap badge and was part of the Formation Day celebrations at Dale Barracks in Chester.
The ram is among three mascots serving with the 3rd (UK) Division. The other two are
a drum horse and a regimental goat.
Derby XXX is officially classed as a soldier, has its own ID card, an Army number, gets paid and of course, gets promoted.
Its duties include walking 2-miles a day, joining parades, leading Derby County FC onto the field for their home games and participating in charity functions.
In its medal collections are two jubilee medals, a replica of the India Mutiny Medal, a General Service Medal 1962 and an Op Tosca (Cyprus) medal
According to Lieutenant Colonel Ben Wilde, Commanding Officer of 2 Mercian, not all ‘Derbys’ are well behaved and the new Lance Corporal "is well deserving of his promotion."
Lance Corporal Derby XXX joined the regiment in February 2014, continuing a tradition that dates back to 1858.
He reportedly switched on Christmas lights in Ashbourne, Derbyshire last year.
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