Superstar
- Trivia
1.
The life of a superstar
Shenkin II has appeared in GQ magazine in a fashion shoot alongside
‘Notting Hill’ star Rhys Ifans. But, at the end of the day, he
insists he’s just a normal goat, and he doesn’t let all the attention
go to his beard.
2.
No hairs
Like all of the Royal Regiment of Wales mascots, Shenkin II is
an Angoran Goat from the royal herd at Windsor.
3.
Name, rank, number
Shenkin II is a Lance Corporal of the 1st Battalion The Royal
Regiment of Wales. His luxury penthouse goat hut is situated at
the Maindy Army Barracks, Cardiff. His official army number is:
W2 Davies Five Seven.
4.
Historical goats
As Sergeant Joseph explained in the ‘Punch The Clock’ programme,
the tradition of a goat leading the Royal Regiment of Wales goes
back as far as the Crimean War.
5.
Regimental motto
‘Gwell Angau Na Chywilydd’ – ‘Death Rather Than Dishonour'.
6.
Beers and beards
The Regiment also has its own theme pub – The Goat Major, which
is situated in Cardiff at the top of High Street, just opposite
the entrance to the Castle. Not only is it full of photos of the
regiment, but also the pub sign swinging at its entrance features
a painting of Sergeant Joseph and Shenkin II.
7.
Back to the past
The Welch Regiment Museum (41st/69th) Foot of The Royal Regiment
of Wales is located in the Black and Barbican Towers of Cardiff
Castle. Run by the very amenable ex-regular John Dart, it’s well
worth a visit, both for its informative and fascinating collection
of regimental history and memorabilia, and for its collection of
stuffed ex-regimental mascot goats! (Call 029 2022 9367 for more
details).
8.
Top 10 celebrity animals
- Shenkin
II
- Lassie
- Skippy
The Bush Kangaroo
-
Willy (The ‘Free’ Whale)
- Stuart
Little
- Flipper
The Dolphin
- Tonto
- Betty,
The Effervescing Moth
- Kes
(R.I.P.)
- George,
The Blue Peter Tortoise
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