A Contribution from TGWS Member Joyce Kennedy

SERGEANT BILL THE GOAT
C.E.F. Veteran


Sergeant Bill with Friend

Question:

In which Saskatchewan museum can you see Sergeant Bill, a goat that served overseas in the First World War and has the medals to prove it?

Answer:

Sergeant Bill is in the Broadview Museum, wearing the medals he received including the 1914 Star, the General Service Medal, and the Victory Medal. This remarkable military career began in 1914 when a girl from Broadview presented her pet goat to the 5th Canadian Infantry Battalion as a mascot. Sergeant Bill became a favorite among the men, although they said he had a tendency to "butt in."

Bill went into the trenches near Armentiers, Was gassed during the Second Battle of Ypres, was wounded by shrapnel at Festhubert, and suffered from trench feet. When he disappeared one day, then men worried that he may have been captured by the Bengal Lancers from India who had a fondness for goat meat.

But Bill survived the war and returned to Saskatchewan. When he died, Bill was stuffed mounted, and placed in the Saskatchewan Legislative Building. Eventually he was returned to Broadview where he now has a place of honour in the Broadview Museum.

From the Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Star Phoenix, May 29, 2000.



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