British army lance corporal demoted for acting the goat

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2006

NICOSIA (AFP) — William (Billy) Windsor, regimental goat of the Royal Welch Fusiliers, has been demoted for refusing to keep in step at a parade for Queen Elizabeth II's 80th birthday, officers said.

The 1st Battalion lance corporal's lack of decorum landed him in hot water during the bash at Episkopi British military base outside the southern resort of Limassol in Cyprus.

"He was charged with disobeying a direct order... the commanding officer had no other option but to reduce his rank to fusilier," Captain Crispin Coates told AFP.

The goat was marched before the CO after being reported for "unacceptable behaviour" by his handler, also known as the goat major.

Six-year-old Billy is on his first overseas tour since joining the regiment in 2001, and...