Lance Corporal Billy The Goat, Retires

On May 20th, soldiers from the Royal Welsh Army unit based in Chester, gathered to honor one of their own - Billy a nine-year old Kashmir goat, who retired after seven years of selfless service with the unit.

Billy, whose full name is William Windsor, sported a gleaming head plate and a freshly groomed coat, as he marched to an awaiting trailer, with the dignity of a true soldier.

The retired veteran will spend the rest of his days grazing peacefully at the Whipsnade Zoo in London. His replacement will be picked next month, from a fine herd that is currently grazing in the Great Orme region, in North Wales.

Billy is part of a long tradition of goat mascots, dating back 200 years - when the Royal Welsh Army received one as a gift from Queen Victoria in 1844.

The mascot, who is considered to be a full member of the battalion, always marches in the front during ceremonial occasions and even travels overseas with the troop. The revered animal has a full-time carer known as Goat Major, to take care of its every need. Talk about one lucky goat!

sources:walesonline.co.uk, telegraph.co.uk, dailmail.co.uk