Beloved Army Mascot to Retire

Townsville's 1RAR (1st Ballation - Royal Australian Regiment) are proud of their long history of having a Shetland pony as their mascot - they were presented with their first one in 1951, prior to troops being deployed to Korea!

The latest mascot, Septimus Quartus, who has been with the Battalion for 18 years, is retiring tonight and making way for his son and protege, Septimus Quintus.

The story behind the Shetland Mascot is told in the 1RAR website, "The Commanding Officer of 1 RAR in July 1951 was Lt Col I B Ferguson DSO, MC and in the Battalion Diary of August 1951 he noted the unit needed a mascot to help raise the esprit-de-corps of the men.  He opted for the purchase or presentation of a Shetland pony.  After some behind the scenes discussions, a pony was presented to the Battalion on the 6^th Birthday Parade.  A competition was held to name the mascot with a prize of three pounds ($6.00 – a lot of money in 1951) to the winner.  Captain East won the money and the name 'Septimus' continues to this day."

"The first Septimus enjoyed a colourful career until his death in April 1967. As with any other member of the Army, Septimus had his records maintained by Central Army Records Office in Melbourne. These records are now held by the unit museum. His conduct sheet was marred by at least three charges and further unrecorded offences including the attempted biting of Sir John Lavarack, the Governor of Queensland in 1953. He was known for his indifference to disclipine and was confined to barracks several times for being AWOL and kicking a superior officer. Septimus was a corporal group 5½ and his regimental number was H201. As a part of his regimental duties he met the H M Queen, Prince Philip, Princess Marina, Governor Generals, Governors and countless Heads of State. He was buried at the Hawksbury Agricultural College.  (Septimus was a typical soldier who was known to celebrate on payday with a few cold beers and had a love of pies with tomato sauce)."

CLICK HERE to visit the 1RAR website, read about and view photos of the Shetland mascots over the years.

CLICK HERE to read the story about Septimus Quartus' retirement in townsvillebulletin.com.au and view a photo of Septimus Quintus.

photo courtesy of:  www.firstbattalionassociation1rar.org.au