Private Derby at Mansfield Museum

There was great excitement today the 2nd November 2018 when Private Derby the 32nd Mascot of the Mercian Regiment made a special visit to Mansfield Museum. He was there to compliment  ‘The Museum of the Mercian Regiment on Tour’ exhibition which is on till the 24th November.

Private Derby is a Swale Dale ram aged 2½, he has his own ID card and is actually a serving soldier. He draws a wage which pays for his rations. He is just one of the few official army mascots around today.  He is seen here with Corporal Philip Thornton (Ram Major) on the left,  and Private Lee Bradbury (Ram Orderly).

Once word got round that Private Derby was in the museum everyone, young and old were rushing to see him and take photographs.