Regiment's new sheep mascot begins duties

Private Derby XXXIV, the Mercian Regiment's new mascot, has completed one of its first official duties with a visit to an engineering firm.

The Swaledale ram, which was handed the prestigious title last month, was taken to the Acres Engineering site in Melbourne, Derbyshire, on Tuesday to mark the anniversary of the Napoleonic Battle of Badajoz.

During the ceremony three companies signed the Armed Forces Covenant, committing to being a forces friendly employer.

According to the Ministry of Defence, the covenant is a promise from the nation to ensure those who serve or who have served, and their families, are treated fairly.

The ministry says since 2011 more than 11,000 organisations have made a range of written and publicised promises to set out their support to members of the Armed Forces community.

Documents published by the government state support typically includes policies that encourage reserve service, support employment of veterans and service partners and give the Armed Forces community a fair deal on commercial products and services.

Representatives from AMS Hayley Nuclear Division, Clover IT Contracts Ltd and Jeani Accessories signed the covenant at the ceremony on Tuesday.

Acres Engineering - which hosted the ceremony - was awarded the Covenant Agreement Gold Award in 2022.

The event was one of the first official duties for Private Derby XXXIV after the Mercian Regiment announced the passing of Private Derby XXXIII on 5 March.

The ram attended Acres Engineering along with Brig Adam Fraser-Hitchen, a senior officer who has served in Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan.

The day also saw the raising a red jacket on a flagpole in commemoration of the brave actions of a soldier during the Battle of Badajoz in 1812.

During the battle, part of the Napoleonic wars, Lt James Macpherson was among the first to scale the walls at Badajoz in Spain.

Despite being shot at and falling, he climbed again and reached the keep – where the French flag flew – removed it, and raised his own red jacket to signal victory, there being no Union flag available.

Acres managing director Luke Parker said the company was "very honoured" to receive a visit from Private Derby and Brig Adam Fraser-Hitchin.

"Particularly with the rise of global conflicts it's important that we stand together and support our armed forces as they defend our interests," he said.

"And that's why events like the one we held at Acres, remembering the courage of those who have gone before us, are so important."

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