William Windsor (goat) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Windsor I
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| Nickname(s) | Billy |
| Born | 2000 (24–25 years old) Whipsnade Zoo |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
British Army |
| Years of service | 2001–2009 |
| Rank | Lance corporal |
| Service number | 25232301 |
| Unit | 1st Battalion, the Royal Welsh |
| Retirement | Whipsnade Zoo |
William "Billy" Windsor I is a special cashmere goat who was a lance corporal in the British Army. He served in the 1st Battalion, the Royal Welsh, which is a group of soldiers. Billy was a lance corporal from 2001 to 2009.
However, for three months in 2006, he was briefly lowered in rank to a fusilier. This happened because he misbehaved during the Queen's Official Birthday party. At the time, he was with his battalion in Cyprus. Billy retired in May 2009 and went to live at Whipsnade Zoo.
His young replacement is known as William Windsor II.
Contents
Goats in the Military: A Long Tradition
Having goats in the military is a very old tradition. It started way back in 1775 during the American Revolutionary War. A wild goat walked onto a battlefield in Boston. This goat then led the Welsh regimental colours (which are like flags) after the Battle of Bunker Hill.
Another famous Welsh military goat was Taffy IV. He served during the First World War. Taffy was part of the 2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment. He was officially known as "The Regimental Goat."
Taffy went to war on August 13, 1914. He was involved in many important battles. These included the Retreat from Mons and the First Battle of Ypres. He also fought in the Battles of Festubert and Givenchy. Taffy sadly died on January 20, 1915. After he passed away, he was given three special awards: the 1914 Star, British War Medal, and the Victory Medal.
The royal goat herd, where these military goats come from, has an interesting history. The first goats were a gift to Queen Victoria in 1837. They were given to her by Mohammad Shah Qajar, who was the Shah of Persia.
William Windsor I: Billy's Story
Billy, a Kashmir goat, came from the same royal goat family. However, he wasn't chosen from the wild. He was born at Whipsnade Zoo. In 2001, Queen Elizabeth II gave Billy to the regiment.
This tradition of giving goats to the Royal Welch Fusiliers has been going on since 1844. The British royal family has always given these special Kashmir goats from their own royal herd.
Billy's Army number was 25232301. The BBC said he was "not a mascot, but a ranking member of the regiment." This means he was a real soldier, not just a pet. Since joining in 2001, Billy went on duties overseas. He also marched in parades for royalty.
His main job was to march at the front of the battalion. He did this for all ceremonial duties. Billy was at every parade the regiment took part in. Billy had a full-time handler named Lance Corporal Ryan Arthur. This handler had a special title: "Goat Major."
Billy's Temporary Demotion
On June 16, 2006, there was a parade to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's 80th birthday. It was held at the Episkopi base in Cyprus. Important guests, like ambassadors, were there.
This trip to Cyprus was Billy's first time serving overseas. He was told to stay in line during the parade. But Billy didn't obey. He didn't keep in step and even tried to headbutt a drummer! His handler, Lance Corporal Dai Davies, couldn't control him.
Billy was accused of "unacceptable behaviour" and "disobeying a direct order." He had to appear before his commanding officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Huw James. After a meeting, Billy was lowered in rank to a fusilier.
A Canadian animal rights group heard about this. They sent a protest to the British Army. They said Billy was just "acting the goat" and should get his rank back. Three months later, on September 20, Billy did get his rank back. This happened at the same parade ground during the Alma Day parade. This parade celebrates a Royal Welsh victory in the Crimean War.
Captain Simon Clarke said that Billy "performed exceptionally well." He added that Billy had the whole summer to think about his behaviour. He clearly earned his rank back. Billy received his promotion from Brigadier Roderick Porter. Because he got his rank back, he also rejoined the corporals' mess.
Billy wasn't the only army goat to have some funny troubles. One goat was called "the rebel." This was because he butted a colonel who was bending over. People called it a "disgraceful act."
Billy's Retirement
On May 20, 2009, Billy retired. He had served for 8 years. Billy was taken to Whipsnade Zoo in Bedfordshire. The zookeepers said he had a very easy life at the Children's Farm there.
William Windsor II: The New Goat
To find a new goat to replace Billy, thirty members of the 1st Battalion went to Great Orme in Llandudno. They left on June 15, 2009, very early in the morning. They hoped to find the feral goats calm and easy to catch.
A team led by Lieutenant-Colonel Nick Lock helped. The goat major and several veterinarians were also there. An army spokesperson said they were looking for a goat that was "calm under pressure and a team player."
After some effort, they chose a five-month-old goat. He was given the army number 25142301. This number represents his regiment and battalion. The new goat is also called William Windsor. He started as a fusilier and is being trained for military life. He gets a special ration of two cigarettes per day, which he eats. But he won't be allowed Guinness until he is older.
See also
- Military animal
- Military mascot
- Nils Olav, mascot penguin
- Bill the Goat, United States Naval Academy mascot
- Wojtek (bear)
- Sergeant Bill
