A TIDWORTH battalion’s newest recruit put his best hoof forward as he took part in his passing out parade last week.

Fusilier Llywelyn, along with Goat Major Fusilier Mathew Owen, led nearly 500 soldiers of the 1st Battalion The Royal Welsh through the garrison town on Friday in the battalion’s annual Rorke’s Drift parade. After his predecessor Lance Corporal Gwillam ‘Taffy VI’ Jenkins passed away in May last year, Fusilier Llywelyn was selected to be the next regimental goat from the royal herd at the Great Orme in Wales.

Historically a goat has headed the parades of the battalion’s antecedent regiments since the late 1700s with many stories as to why a goat was chosen, from taking them into battle to be eaten to being chosen as a symbol to remind the Welsh soldiers of home.

Queen Victoria presented the Royal Welsh Fusiliers with its first official Royal Goat in 1844 and since that time Regular and Reserve battalions have recruited a goat from the Royal herd.

Current Goat Major of the 1R Welsh Fusilier Mathew Owen from Gwalchmai on Anglesey, North Wales, had responsibility for the battalion’s previous goats Billy and Taffy VI and last week’s parade was the first with his new ward.

Mathew said: “Since he was recruited in November Llywelyn has undergone intensive training, and preparing for his passing out today. He worked very hard this morning and was absolutely fantastic. Llywelyn has loved the attention, he is one for stardom.”

Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Paul Clayton said: “It has been a really impressive day for two reasons, first it is an opportunity for us to remember a key part of our history which is Rorke’s Drift day, and the second is Fusilier Llywelyn’s first day on parade as our new regimental goat.

“Being a wild goat it has taken him a few months to get used to the hustle and bustle of regimental life and he has passed out on his parade this morning with an absolutely first class performance.”