On-line battle to save mascot
A former Black Country soldier has launched an on-line petition to prevent the Staffordshire Regiment's bull terrier mascot being replaced. A former Black Country soldier has launched an on-line petition to prevent the Staffordshire Regiment's bull terrier mascot being replaced. Scott Williams is protesting against the decision to ditch the regiment's mascot Watchman IV. Mr Williams, aged 30, who served with the regiment, says he was so incensed with the decision to replace the Staffordshire Bull Terrier with the Swaledale ram Private Derby he has decided to post the petition on a dog-lovers' website and is appealing for people to show their support. Soldiers see the swap as the latest snub following the announcement of the merger of the Staffords, Cheshires and the Worcestershire & Sherwood Foresters Regiment at an official ceremony in Tamworth on September 1. Anyone wanting to add their name to Mr Williams's petition should visit www.staffordshirebullterriers.com Read the full story in the Express & Star.
Scott Williams is protesting against the decision to ditch the regiment's mascot Watchman IV.
Mr Williams, aged 30, who served with the regiment, says he was so incensed with the decision to replace the Staffordshire Bull Terrier with the Swaledale ram Private Derby he has decided to post the petition on a dog-lovers' website and is appealing for people to show their support.
Soldiers see the swap as the latest snub following the announcement of the merger of the Staffords, Cheshires and the Worcestershire & Sherwood Foresters Regiment at an official ceremony in Tamworth on September 1.
Mr Williams, who served in Cyprus and Kenya during his time in the regiment between 1998 and 2002, described the decision as "unbelievable" and said it would "airbrush" the regiment's heritage out of history.
"You cannot trust a ram, they can't be trained. The dog is trained to stand with the soldiers," said Mr Williams, of Clarence Road, Dudley.
"I understand the reasons behind putting the regiments together, but people should know about the regiment's history."
Major Mike Tarbuck, spokesman for the regiment, said Private Derby had got the job because he was an official British Army mascot, while Watchman IV was an unofficial mascot.
