William Windsor (goat) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Windsor I
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| 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 type of cashmere goat who served in the British Army. He was a lance corporal in the 1st Battalion, the Royal Welsh regiment. Billy served from 2001 until 2009. For three months in 2006, he was demoted to a lower rank, called fusilier. This happened after he behaved badly during the Queen's Official Birthday celebrations in Cyprus. Billy retired to Whipsnade Zoo in May 2009.
His young replacement is known as William Windsor II.
Contents
History of Military Goats
The tradition of having goats in the military started a long time ago in 1775. A wild goat walked onto a battlefield in Boston during the American Revolutionary War. This goat then led the Welsh soldiers' flag at the end of the Battle of Bunker Hill.
Another famous Welsh military goat was Taffy IV. He served in the First World War. Taffy was part of the 2nd Battalion, Welsh Regiment. He officially joined the war on August 13, 1914. Taffy fought in several important battles, including the Retreat from Mons and the First Battle of Ypres. He passed away on January 20, 1915. After his death, he received three special awards for his service.
The Royal Goat Herd
The royal goat herd originally came from Mohammad Shah Qajar, who was the Shah of Persia. He gave these goats as a gift to Queen Victoria in 1837 when she became queen.
These goats lived and grew on Llandudno's Great Orme in Wales. By 2001, there were about 250 goats, and they were starting to run out of food. People also complained about the goats wandering into their gardens. To help manage the goat population, some goats were moved to new homes. Also, methods were used to control how many new goats were born. By 2007, 85 goats had been moved to different areas in the UK.
William Windsor I: Billy's Story
Billy, a Kashmir goat, came from the same special family line as the original royal goats. However, he was born at Whipsnade Zoo, not in the wild. Queen Elizabeth II gave him to the regiment in 2001. For many years, the British monarchy has given Kashmir goats to the Royal Welch Fusiliers regiment.
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 traveled overseas and marched in front of royalty. His main job was to march at the front of the battalion during all special ceremonies. He was at every parade the regiment took part in. Billy had a full-time handler named Lance Corporal Ryan Arthur, who was called the "Goat Major."
Billy's Temporary Demotion
On June 16, 2006, a parade was held to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's 80th birthday. This event took place at the Episkopi Cantonment base in Cyprus. Important guests, including ambassadors, were there.
This trip to Cyprus was Billy's first time serving overseas. Even though he was told to stay in line, he did not obey. He failed to keep in step and tried to headbutt a drummer. His handler, Lance Corporal Dai Davies, could not keep him under control.
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 demoted to the rank of fusilier.
A group that supports animal rights protested 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 during the Alma Day parade, which celebrates a Royal Welsh victory in the Crimean War. Captain Simon Clarke said, "Billy performed exceptionally well." He added that Billy had time to think about his behavior and clearly earned his rank back.
Billy received his promotion from Brigadier Roderick Porter, the colonel of the Royal Welsh Regiment. When he got his rank back, he also rejoined the corporals' mess, which is a special club for soldiers of that rank.
Billy was not the only army goat to have problems. Once, a royal goat was used for breeding by its handler. The handler was charged with "disrespect to an officer" and lost his rank. He said he did it to help the goat, but the court did not agree. Another royal fusilier goat was called "the rebel" because it headbutted a colonel. This was seen as a very disrespectful act.
Billy's Retirement
On May 20, 2009, Billy retired after 8 years of excellent service. He was taken to Whipsnade Zoo in Bedfordshire. Keepers at the zoo said he had a very easy life at the Hullabazoo Farm.
William Windsor II: The New Goat
To find a replacement for Billy, thirty members of the 1st Battalion went to Great Orme in Llandudno. They went on June 15, 2009, hoping to find a calm wild goat. A team, including the goat major and several veterinarians, helped with the search. An army spokesperson said they were looking for a goat that was "calm under pressure and a team player."
After some difficulty, a five-month-old goat was chosen. This new goat was given the army number 25142301. This number represents the 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. He is not allowed to have Guinness beer until he is older.
See also
- Military animal
- Military mascot
- Nils Olav, mascot penguin
- Wojtek (bear)
