Military mascots
First World War mascots
Caesar, A Company, 4 Battalion, New Zealand Rifle Brigade
Caesar was a trained Red Cross bulldog that, before being killed in action, helped rescue wounded troops during the Battle
Second World War mascots
Major Major, No. 1 Dog, 2 NZEF, 19 Battalion and Armoured Regiment
Major Major is probably our most famous military mascot. He has had a book devoted to his life and was painted by the official war artist Peter McIntyre. When he died in 1944 he was buried with full military honours. 'When we laid Major to rest,' one soldier wrote, 'I think perhaps some of
Vietnam mascots
Mascots have long been a part of the military, and Vietnam was no exception. Here medical team members from the army, navy and air force can be seen holding their puppy mascots.
The mother of the pups was a stray dog adopted by members of the 1st New Zealand Armed Services medical team hospital and named 'Kiwi'.
This photograph was taken at the NZ Armed Services medical team hospital at Bong Son, South Vietnam, in 1970.
Private Hunt, the parakeet mascot
The Solomons Island parakeet Private Hunt, mascot for 37 New Zealand Infantry Batalion of 3 New Zealand Division in the Pacific, is pictured here with his trainer, Private Currie.
Floss, the New Zealand Army rugby mascot
The New Zealand Army rugby team is pictured at Codford Camp, near Bristol, in 1917. The team toured several English cities and apparently never lost a game. Their mascot, Floss, sits in front.
According to a report in the RSA Review, November 1969:
Paddy, the mascot in Egypt
A Maori Battalion soldier and mascot dog, Paddy, share some pork from the hangi on Christmas Day 1943 at Maadi Camp, Egypt. This photograph was taken by George Robert Bull.
New Zealand Army Special Air Service with goat mascot
This group photograph shows the New Zealand Army Special Air Service Headquarters Troop with a goat called Angus, which was the squadron's mascot.
The photograph was taken at Waiouru on 14 September 1955 during the Malayan Emergency (1948–1960).
Bruno, the New Zealand Army Service Corps mascot
Private T.P. Noonan is pictured with the mascot of No. 1 Platoon, New Zealand Army Service Corps. Bruno, aged two and a half months, was apparently born in Florence, Italy.
Pooch, the mascot
A New Zealand soldier, N.H. Boswell, carries his unit's mascot, Pooch, during an amphibious training session in the Pacific during the Second World War.
