The Royal Welch Fusiliers started at Caernarvon Castle and still have their swearing in ceremonies for new recruits there. I was lost somewhere in the towers, but Bill witnessed it. The goat is not a mascot, but a member of the regiment, with full rights and honors. The original goat was a gift from Queen Victoria.
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| The start of the ceremony. The man in civilian clothing with the chain is the Mayor of Caernavon. |
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| The officer in fatigues was some one well known in the Regiment. |
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| Chatting after the ceremony. The white feathers are another tradition started when the Regiment was put white roses in their caps before a decisive battle against a much larger force, and won. |
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| The Goat and the Goat Major. |
The Fusiliers wear a "Flash", a grouping of 5 black ribbons attached to their collars that fall about 5 inches down their backs. At one time, there was an attempt by the War Department to have them remove the "Flash" as it would distinguish them to the enemy when seen from the rear. George V in 1932 remarked, "It is such a pleasure to see you all in you Flashes. They wanted to take the Flash. They said it was too conspicuous. I told them that the enemy would never see the Flashes on the backs of the Royal Welch!"
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| A battle flag from WWI. |
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| Some of the medals received by members of the Regiment over the years. George V knew what he was talking about. |
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