Army regiment announces new sheep mascot

The Mercian Regiment has announced it has been provided with a new regimental mascot following the death of a ram known as Private Derby XXXIII.

In a post on social media, the regiment said the Duke of Devonshire had given the regiment its next mascot, Private Derby XXXIV.

The regiment said it was with "great sadness" it announced the passing of Private Derby XXXIII on 5 March.

A spokesperson said: "Private Derby XXXIV will spend some time settling into his new home with his companion before he begins his training in order to fulfil his official mascot duties."

As one of a few official mascots in the British Army, each Private Derby has its own regimental number issued by the Army Veterinary Corps.

He is descended from a long line of Swaledale Rams, a tradition which started in colonial India in 1858, and which are now presented to the regiment by the Duke of Devonshire.

All selected rams start with the rank of Private, but can be promoted.

The first Private 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.

Following the death of Private Derby XXXIII, a spokesperson for the regiment said: "His passing is felt across our entire regimental family and by the many people who had the pleasure of meeting him.

"Private Derby has long been regarded as the face of The Mercian Regiment.

"He travelled widely across the country, representing the regiment at a broad range of events, and was met everywhere with great affection and admiration."

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