Since his first day at basic training, one private has been proving the doubters wrong.
They said he could go rogue, that he was a loose cannon.
But Derby, the Swaledale Ram mascot for 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment, finally has his hard-earned promotion.
Now Lance Corporal Derby, the 30th in his long line, can sport a single stripe with pride.
The honour was granted as the Mercian celebrated the eighth anniversary of its formation at Dale Barracks, Chester, on September 1.
Pte Derby received his promotion from the Colonel of the Regiment, Brigadier Andrew Williams.
The ram looked resplendent in a scarlet coat with green and gold facings, emblazoned with the regiment’s main battle honours.
On his forehead was a silver plate embossed with the regimental cap badge.
Commanding Officer of 2 Mercian, Lieutenant Colonel Ben Wilde said: “This is the latest in a long line of ‘Derbys’ to have served as our mascot.
“Not all of them are as well behaved as our newest was today and he is well deserving of his promotion, but today is not all about him.
“Exactly eight years ago the regiment was formed, and over those years we have developed one of the strongest operational pedigrees in the British Army.”
The Mercian Regiment was formed on September 1, 2007.
It recruits from Cheshire, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Staffordshire and Worcestershire, the Black Country and Wirral.
LCpl Derby was accompanied by his handlers, the Ram Major, Corporal Philip Thornton, 38, and the Ram Orderly, Private Stuart McLean.
While Derby is now one of only seven official British Army mascots, the tradition of the ram dates back to 1858.
The first Pte Derby was acquired by the 95th (Derbyshire) Regiment of Foot in the capture of Kotah during the Indian Mutiny Campaign of 1857-58.
Click here to find out more about the Mercian Regiment.
