Before “Watchman IV” retired, he met his replacement, “Watchman V,” both Staffordshire Bull Terriers. They were, and are, the latest mascots in the long, proud history of the Regiments of Staffordshire dating back to 1882.
Watchman IV (the adult in the photograph) was presented to the Regiment as a puppy in 1998 by the Friends of the Regiment. He was retired on October 4, 2009, and Watchman V took over duties the next day. Sadly, Colour Sergeant Watchman IV died in 2013 at the age of 15.
In 2015, Watchman V was elevated to the rank of sergeant at a special ceremony on the grounds of Tamworth Castle and continues to carry out his duties at commemorations, parades, mayoral events, regimental ceremonies and funerals. Learn more about the Staffordshire regiment here (and from where this image comes).