British army's regimental goat demoted

NICOSIA: William (Billy) Windsor, regimental goat of the Royal Welch Fusiliers, has been demoted for refusing to keep in step at a parade for Queen Elizabeth II's 80th birthday, officers said on Saturday.

The 1st Battalion lance corporal's lack of decorum landed him in hot water during the bash at Episkopi British military base outside the southern resort of Limassol in Cyprus.

"He was charged with disobeying a direct order... the commanding officer had no other option but to reduce his rank to fusilier," Captain Crispin Coates said.

The goat was marched before the CO after being reported for 'unacceptable behaviour' by his handler, also known as the goat major.

Six-year-old Billy is on his first overseas tour since joining the regiment in 2001, and according to one parade onlooker is unlucky to be in the dog house.

"I thought he was immaculately turned out on the night and marched quite well, but Billy does have a reputation for being a bit frisky and temperamental," he said.

Goats are not mascots but very much members of the regiment. They have their own serial numbers, and march at the head of the battalion. The origin of the custom is unknown but is thought to go back centuries.

Queen Victoria presented the regiment with a Kashmiri goat from the royal herd in 1844, and successive monarchs have replaced them ever since.

Because he acted the goat, Billy's drop in rank means fusiliers no longer have to stand to attention when he passes by.