Private Derby XXX: Sheep Promoted To Lance Corporal In British Army

Sheep Promoted To Lance Corporal For Good Baa-Haviour

A sheep has been promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal in the British Army for good baa-haviour.

Private Derby XXX was promoted to the rank at an event in Chester, marking eight years of being in the Mercian Regiment.

The ram was awarded his honor by the Colonel of the regiment, Brigadier Andrew Williams.

A sheep has been promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal

The Swaledale sheep is officially classed as a solider and he is the 30th in a line of mascot rams running back to the Indian Mutiny War in the mid-19th Century.

Formerly known as Private Derby 30th, his promotion now entitles him to wear a single stripe on his uniform.

The Mercian Regiment celebrated his success on its Facebook page, writing:

"He was resplendent in his scarlet coat with Lincoln green and gold facings, emblazoned with the Regiment's main Battle Honours."

During his career, Lance Corporal Derby XXX helped switch on the Christmas lights in Ashbourne and met Prince William at the unveiling of a memorial commemorating the 1914 Christmas Truce.

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