A DISTINGUISHED military career came to an end at Chester’s Dale Barracks when Lance Corporal Billy the regimental goat retired.

Lance Corporal William Windsor, proudly wearing his silver head piece presented to him by the Queen, left for Whipsnade Zoo on Wednesday, May 20, after eight years service with the 1st Battalion Royal Welsh.

Goat Major Lance Corporal Ryan Arthur, who is responsible for feeding and walking Billy, said: “Billy didn’t want to leave. I think he’s going to miss the boys and I think the boys are going to miss him too.

“He is a character. He is happy-go-lucky but he can be a bit mischievous and can get wound up sometimes. He plays a very big role. He leads the battalion on every parade. Everyone knows who is.”

Billy’s career with the Chester-based battalion hasn’t passed without incident, he was once demoted to a fusilier after acting the goat on parade in Cyprus.

“Billy was demoted from Lance Corporal to Fusilier for misbehaving on parade but he got his rank back a few months later,” added Lance Corporal Arthur.

Cheered on by hundreds of solders from the regiment, Billy was led from his pen to the trailer by officers wearing ceremonial dress.

Captain Matt Hughes, Adjutant of the Royal Welsh Ones, said: “Our first regimental goat was presented to the battalion in 1884 by Queen Victoria from the Royal heard. The tradition dates back to a wild goat leading the regimental colours off the battle field after the battle of Bunker Hill and a goat has served with the battalion ever since.

“He is not a mascot, he is very much a part of the battalion and holds the rank of Lance Corporal. He is considered an integral part of the battalion.”

Billy’s kid replacement will arrive in June from a herd at the Great Orme in Gwynedd, North Wales.

The light role infantry battalion are currently preparing for operations.

A video of Billy’s final parade can be found on our website at www.chesterchronicle.co.uk.