Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
WHO IS PRIVATE DERBY?
Private Derby is the Regimental Mascot of The Mercian Regiment. He is one of a small handful of official Mascots in the British Army. He is a Swaledale ram, presented to the regiment traditionally by His Grace, The Duke of Devonshire from his flock at Chatsworth House.
Private Derby's job is to represent The Mercian Regiment around the country, and when he's not on a job he lives in a purpose built pen behind the Regimental Headquarters in Lichfield, Staffordshire.
WHY IS THE MASCOT A RAM?
The tradition of Private Derby dates back to 1858 during the Indian Rebellion when Private Sullivan, of the 95th (Derbyshire) Regiment of Foot, found a fine fighting ram tethered in a temple yard.
On showing it to the Commanding Officer, Lt Col Raines decided to keep the animal as a mascot for the Regiment. He marched nearly 3,000 miles with the 95th Foot throughout Central India and was present at six actions during the remainder of the Indian Rebellion.
WHAT HAPPENED TO THE ORIGINAL PRIVATE DERBY?
When Private Derby passed away in 1863, the Regiment adapted a new Ram to continue the tradition, and he was named Private Derby II.
Since that time there has followed a succession of fine rams, each of which has inherited the official title of 'Private Derby' followed by his successive number.
HOW IS PRIVATE DERBY SELECTED?
When Private Derby passes away or retires from duty, His Grace The Duke of Devonshire selects a Swaledale Ram from his Chatsworth flock and presents it to the Regiment. This is a tradition that dates all the way back to 1912. The Mercian Regiment continues to be grateful to His Grace for continuing to provide the Regiment with a new mascot.
Prior to this, replacement rams were initially presented to the Regiment in whichever part of the world they were serving at the time.
WHO LOOKS AFTER PRIVATE DERBY?
Private Derby is looked after by the Ram Major and the Ram Orderly - both are soldiers in The Mercian Regiment who have been trained to look after the mascot. The current team who look after the mascot are:
- Ram Major: Lance Corporal Mitchell
- Ram Orderly: Private Bramley
The role of Ram Major was previously been held by Corporal Skinner (2007-2014) and Corporal Thornton (2014 - 2025).
CAN PRIVATE DERBY PROMOTE?
Yes! Private Derby is allowed to promote if he has demonstrated good behaviour. A few have promoted to Lance Corporal during their tenures. Derby XXXII however was the first ram to promote to full Corporal in 2024.
When the mascot dies or retires, the next one begins his tenure at the rank of Private, meaning that he does not assume the rank obtained by his predecessor. Each new ram however is allowed to continue to wear medals won by previous Derbys.
HOW CAN I KEEP UP-TO-DATE WITH PRIVATE DERBY?
You can keep up-to-date with Private Derby's activities on his social media channels.
Click the buttons below to head to his social media channels - be sure to give him a follow!
DID YOU KNOW...?
Private Derby has a companion, whose official name is "Notts", that lives with him in his pen behind the Regimental Headquarters in Lichfield.
The current Notts, affectionately known as "Billy", remains in the pen while Private Derby is out representing The Regiment during events.
Billy is a Jacobs ram, and is the 4th in the lineage of Private Derby's companions. The previous companions were Swaledale rams just like Private Derby.
