The Royal Goat
“From his gleaming headplate to his immaculately groomed whiskers, Lance Corporal William Windsor looked every inch the proud old soldier as he left camp for the last time yesterday. Cheering comrades lined the route from his pen to the trailer waiting to take him to the zoo, where the Army veteran informally known as Billy the Goat will spend his retirement. His send-off came with full military pomp and ceremony – befitting-his lifetime’s service with the 1st Battalion the Royal Welsh. He has travelled overseas, met royalty and led every battalion parade. For the most part Billy, aged nine, has served as unbleatingly as a goat can – although he did once butt heads with top brass when he was temporarily demoted for not marching in time. Today, his comrades showed their appreciation for Billy’s eight years of service at their base in Chester.” w/ photos
