Fond tributes to Shenkin as regimental goat dies
THE regimental mascot of 3rd Battalion The Royal Welsh – a goat who was well known for appearing at Welsh rugby internationals and parades – has died.
Lance Corporal Shenkin III, a Kashmiri goat born and bred from the Royal Herd at the Great Orme in Llandudno, died on Tuesday aged seven and a half.
Shenkin was well known for appearing at Welsh rugby internationals, where he would lead out the Welsh rugby team with handler Goat Major Sergeant Mark Jackson.
A letter was sent to the Queen officially informing her of Shenkin’s death, and asking permission for the regiment to select a new goat.
Goats from the herd have been presented to the regiment since Queen Victoria first presented the Royal Welch Fusiliers with its first official royal goat more than 150 years ago, in 1844.
He was selected for duty following the death of his predecessor, also called Shenkin and holding the rank of Lance Corporal, in July 2009.
The flags at Maindy Barracks in Cardiff – where Shenkin was looked after – flew at half-mast yesterday.
While leading rugby players, and officers and soldiers in Freedom Parades throughout Wales, Shenkin became a symbol for The Royal Welsh and for Wales.
He will have a headstone commissioned that will be placed outside regimental headquarters.
His headstone in Maindy Barracks will join those of his predecessors who have served The Royal Welsh and antecedent regiments.
Sergeant Mark “Jacko” Jackson has been at Shenkin’s side for the past five and a half years.
He said: “He was a legend. He wasn’t just a regimental goat, but part of my family as well. He loved a crowd and was a total poser.”
Lieutenant Colonel Nigel CreweRead, commanding officer 3R Welsh, said: “Shenkin was the figurehead for the battalion and would lead us wherever we went. He was a symbol of the great traditions of The Royal Welsh.”
Lieutenant Colonel (Retd) Chris Kilminster, regimental secretary of The Royal Welsh, said: “LCpl Shenkin was always very steady on parade and was immaculate at the presentation of new colours to the Regiment by Her Majesty The Queen in 2015 at what was then named the Millennium Stadium. He had a real rapport with the public, across all ages.”
The process of finding Shenkin’s successor from the Royal Herd at the Great Orme will soon begin.
Meanwhile, Llywelyn, the Regimental Mascot for 1st Battalion The Royal Welsh, will assume Shenkin’s duties, including leading the Welsh rugby team out for the autumn internationals at the Principality Stadium.
The case for official mascot recognition is presented before the Army Honours and Distinction Committee, and by receiving official status the mascot attains a regimental number and assumes proper rank.