ucla1967
Major
- Joined
- Jan 28, 2006
- Messages
- 6,752
HIRIART The Red Devils (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter ucla1967
- Start date
ucla1967
Major
- Joined
- Jan 28, 2006
- Messages
- 6,752
The second set is 1083 THE RED DEVILS. It is also currently on eBay with an asking price of $180. The bulldog is a nice touch. I have ordered two of these sets on my current, pending order with Hiriart. I had ordered one set last year for me, but Bob Walker liked it, so I sold it to him.
Attachments
4th Hussar
Sergeant Major
- Joined
- Nov 22, 2007
- Messages
- 1,464
Is the Para Regiment mascot a pony or a bulldog ?
ucla1967
Major
- Joined
- Jan 28, 2006
- Messages
- 6,752
That's a good question that I don't know the answer to. Maybe some of our Brit friends would know.
johnnybach
Major General
- Joined
- Nov 24, 2010
- Messages
- 13,663
The Regimental Mascot of the Parachute Regiment is a Shetland Pony. Other animals can be kept by Regiments, but are classified as pets. There has occasionally been more than one Pony used as mascots for the Parachute Regiment - due to one becoming lonely. They are normally all named Pegasus ( and numbered with Roman Numerals - e.g IV, V etc) but names like Dodger, Falklands have also been used in the past. They are entitled to care at Public Expense and subject to normal military discipline/ promotion etc. - whilst pets are at Regimental expense - BUT all must receive adequate health care, food and shelter.
This is a particularly nice pic of a D-Day Parade which took place in Normandy, I think, showing one of the occasions where the Regiment had two ponies - being followed by the Band.
There is a rather humourus story around, that one of the Pegasus mascots in the past - took a huge "dump" on a parade - and right in front of HM QEII - and was later demoted from Sergeant to Corporal - but I'm not sure if it is true!{sm2}
I have recently bought a castings version of my own Para Mascot - with his handler/carer (from Langley Miniatures) - and will be painting him later on this winter, to add to a Colour Party that I already have (from Asset).
I love the idea of the Para Band - that Mike has shown from Hiriart ( which is very nice - as usual) - and will be looking out for a castings version from one of my usual sources - to paint up for myself at some future date. I will, of course, show them - once completed. johnnybach
This is a particularly nice pic of a D-Day Parade which took place in Normandy, I think, showing one of the occasions where the Regiment had two ponies - being followed by the Band.
There is a rather humourus story around, that one of the Pegasus mascots in the past - took a huge "dump" on a parade - and right in front of HM QEII - and was later demoted from Sergeant to Corporal - but I'm not sure if it is true!{sm2}
I have recently bought a castings version of my own Para Mascot - with his handler/carer (from Langley Miniatures) - and will be painting him later on this winter, to add to a Colour Party that I already have (from Asset).
I love the idea of the Para Band - that Mike has shown from Hiriart ( which is very nice - as usual) - and will be looking out for a castings version from one of my usual sources - to paint up for myself at some future date. I will, of course, show them - once completed. johnnybach
johnnybach
Major General
- Joined
- Nov 24, 2010
- Messages
- 13,663
Hi Mike. Pegasus - in Greek Mythology - is a winged divine horse - often depicted as white. He was therefore adopted by the Parachte Regiment from it's earliest beginnings. The badge below was designed for wear as an arm patch during WWII by British airborne forces. It depicts Pagasus being ridden by the warrior Bellarophon - and thus symbolises a winged warrior flying into battle (or - paratroopers). Note also the maroon coloured background - which was also reflected in the adoption of that colour beret for paratroops during WWII - and was the origin of the German's nickname for them "The Red Devils". This appears to have stuck - as has the maroon beret. Note also that the band have a double maroon stripe down each leg when wearing their "Blues" uniform.
The Pegasus Bridge that you mention - was renamed as such by the French - after the battle which took place there on D-Day - which is one of the best scenes from the well known film - "The Longest Day" - in honour of the Paras involved in the fight.
If I could offer just one very slight criticism of the Hiriart depiction of the Para beret, Mike - it might be that it is a little too red. That colour of red for the beret is used by British Military Police nowadays (Redcaps) - whilst the Paras still retain that maroon colour. (Though it could just be the reproduction of the colour from a photo that's doing it.).
Hardly surprising then, that the Mascot adopted by the Regiment would be a small horse - and the most favoured name for the Mascot would be Pegasus. johnnybach.
.
The Pegasus Bridge that you mention - was renamed as such by the French - after the battle which took place there on D-Day - which is one of the best scenes from the well known film - "The Longest Day" - in honour of the Paras involved in the fight.
If I could offer just one very slight criticism of the Hiriart depiction of the Para beret, Mike - it might be that it is a little too red. That colour of red for the beret is used by British Military Police nowadays (Redcaps) - whilst the Paras still retain that maroon colour. (Though it could just be the reproduction of the colour from a photo that's doing it.).
Hardly surprising then, that the Mascot adopted by the Regiment would be a small horse - and the most favoured name for the Mascot would be Pegasus. johnnybach.
ucla1967
Major
- Joined
- Jan 28, 2006
- Messages
- 6,752
Hi Mike. Pegasus - in Greek Mythology - is a winged divine horse - often depicted as white. He was therefore adopted by the Parachte Regiment from it's earliest beginnings. The badge below was designed for wear as an arm patch during WWII by British airborne forces. It depicts Pagasus being ridden by the warrior Bellarophon - and thus symbolises a winged warrior flying into battle (or - paratroopers). Note also the maroon coloured background - which was also reflected in the adoption of that colour beret for paratroops during WWII - and was the origin of the German's nickname for them "The Red Devils". This appears to have stuck - as has the maroon beret. Note also that the band have a double maroon stripe down each leg when wearing their "Blues" uniform.
The Pegasus Bridge that you mention - was renamed as such by the French - after the battle which took place there on D-Day - which is one of the best scenes from the well known film - "The Longest Day" - in honour of the Paras involved in the fight.
If I could offer just one very slight criticism of the Hiriart depiction of the Para beret, Mike - it might be that it is a little too red. That colour of red for the beret is used by British Military Police nowadays (Redcaps) - whilst the Paras still retain that maroon colour. (Though it could just be the reproduction of the colour from a photo that's doing it.).
Hardly surprising then, that the Mascot adopted by the Regiment would be a small horse - and the most favoured name for the Mascot would be Pegasus. johnnybach.
.
JB,
Thanks for the information. Actually, I had forgotten that the bridge had been renamed by the French. I am not sure if Hiriart's berets are as red as they seem in the photos. The set with the Paras at present arms seem to have a slightly different red color than the uniform details, although the band's berets seem to be more red. When I get my set (hopefully soon) I'll check out the colors and see if the beret is marron or not.
4th Hussar
Sergeant Major
- Joined
- Nov 22, 2007
- Messages
- 1,464
Thank you Johnny for the info on the diference between mascots and pets
johnnybach
Major General
- Joined
- Nov 24, 2010
- Messages
- 13,663
I have a bit more on the Parachute Regimental Mascot story for you - if you like.....
The first pony Mascot of the Parachute Regiment was Pegasus I (of the 1st Battalion), in 1950 - and was a black New Forest Pony. Not to be outdone - the 2nd Btn. soon installed Bruneval - another black pony in 1954, as theirs - whilst the 3rd Btn. bought a Welsh white pony - named Coed Coch Sampswn. These three ponies paraded together for the first time with their Regiment - in front of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh (Prince Phillip) in 1955 at Rushmoor Arena (England). The mascots were unofficial at that time, so were really just pets - but permission was sought - and granted in that year, for the Regiment to have an official mascot - which position Pegasus I filled, although the others were kept on as unofficial pets.
A while later ( in 1965), it was agreed that due to the practicalities with the upkeep and care of so many ponies, that for the future - only one pony would be kept as a mascot by the Regiment.
In 1984, due to concerns over the health of the incumbent mascot - it was decided to acquire a stable companion to Pegasus - to be trained to take over when required. The new pony was named "Dodger" when acquired in 1986 - but on the 50th Anniversary of the Regiment, Dodger was re-named "Falkland" - ten years after that Battle Honour was awarded to the Regiment.
Sergeant Pegasus III retired from duty in November 1998, and Falklands I will soon also become a "companion pony", to the working mascot, when he retires. They are turned out to pasture on retirement - but still lovingly cared for by the Regiment until the end of their lives.
The working mascot has a busy life, often leading Regimental parades - and representing the Regiment at shows all around the UK - and even in France and Holland on specific military anniversaries. They are especially popular with both children and veterans alike, at such events. johnnybach
The first pony Mascot of the Parachute Regiment was Pegasus I (of the 1st Battalion), in 1950 - and was a black New Forest Pony. Not to be outdone - the 2nd Btn. soon installed Bruneval - another black pony in 1954, as theirs - whilst the 3rd Btn. bought a Welsh white pony - named Coed Coch Sampswn. These three ponies paraded together for the first time with their Regiment - in front of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh (Prince Phillip) in 1955 at Rushmoor Arena (England). The mascots were unofficial at that time, so were really just pets - but permission was sought - and granted in that year, for the Regiment to have an official mascot - which position Pegasus I filled, although the others were kept on as unofficial pets.
A while later ( in 1965), it was agreed that due to the practicalities with the upkeep and care of so many ponies, that for the future - only one pony would be kept as a mascot by the Regiment.
In 1984, due to concerns over the health of the incumbent mascot - it was decided to acquire a stable companion to Pegasus - to be trained to take over when required. The new pony was named "Dodger" when acquired in 1986 - but on the 50th Anniversary of the Regiment, Dodger was re-named "Falkland" - ten years after that Battle Honour was awarded to the Regiment.
Sergeant Pegasus III retired from duty in November 1998, and Falklands I will soon also become a "companion pony", to the working mascot, when he retires. They are turned out to pasture on retirement - but still lovingly cared for by the Regiment until the end of their lives.
The working mascot has a busy life, often leading Regimental parades - and representing the Regiment at shows all around the UK - and even in France and Holland on specific military anniversaries. They are especially popular with both children and veterans alike, at such events. johnnybach
