Tamworth urged to raises a glass to Sgt Watchman V

LOCAL pubs are being urged to stock a special beer brewed in honour of a local military mascot.

A new commemorative ale has been launched to celebrate Stg Watchman V, mascot of the Staffordshire Regiment. The Beer called “Sgt Watchman V” is to celebrate the long standing service of a much loved mascot of the Staffordshire Regiment. Local pubs are being asked to stock a small supply of the beer, which is limited to just 2000 bottles.

Watchman was the mascot of the Staffordshire Regiment until it was merged with other regiments in 2007. The ceremony in Tamworth created the Mercian Regiment. Since that time Watchman has continued to carry out civic duties in the name of the Staffordshire Regiment. Most recently the dedication of a new memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum.

The role of Watchman is steeped in tradition, and ever the-popular Staffordshire bull terrier mascot has been representing the men of the Staffordshire Regiment for over 130 years. The tradition goes back to 1882, when The South Staffordshire Regiment was ordered to march with Lord Wolseley to the relief of General Gordon who was besieged in Khartoum. Whilst entrained at Cairo their Staffordshire bull terrier “Boxer” leapt from the moving train and was seen lying unconscious next to the tracks and was believed dead.

A few days later while encamped at Assiut awaiting orders, a very thin and bedraggled dog staggered into their camp and collapsed. Boxer has walked over 200 miles along the scorched desert railway track to re-join his regiment, showing the grit and determination of spirit which has always been strong amongst the ranks of the Staffordshire Men.

Since then many dogs have lived alongside the men of the Staffordshire Regiment but it wasn’t until after the Second World War that the Watchman tradition evolved into what it is today.

Danielle Pritchard, curator of the Staffordshire Regiment Museum said: “Mascots are visual symbols for the bodies they represent and perhaps this is something we should see more off.

“The beer is a way for local residents and ‘Staffords’ to raise a glass to our much loved mascot. If anyone wants to stock a small supply of the beer they can get more information from the Staffordshire Regiment Museum by calling 01543 434394 or e-mail [email protected]”

Cllr Robert Pritchard, who led the campaign to get Watchman Freedom of Tamworh said: “They say a dog is a man’s best friend and nothing is truer than for the men of the Staffordshire Regiment and Watchman. I encourage everyone to stock a few bottles of the commemorative beer before they are gone forever.”

WO2 Greg Hedges, Watchman’s Handler said: “We are very humbled by the beer being brewed for Watchman. When we travel across Staffordshire, the Black Country and indeed the country Watchman gets such a warm reception. He is as cherished todays as he has ever been. I very much look forward to having my first taste of this special beer.”

Watchman holds the Freedom of many towns in Staffordshire, including Tamworth.