Regimental Mascots in World War II

Colonel Boots accompanying Corporal Sandy Hamilton.

During World War II (1939-1945), the men of the Essex Scottish were sent overseas with the Allied forces to fight the raging war in Europe. However, these fights were not borne on their own since they were accompanied by a friendly spirit which kept their morale high.

Many regiments and infantrymen adopted animals as mascots. The Canadian National Archives stated that “they were traditionally considered bearers of good luck, these mascots were really pets who belonged to all the men of a squad, company or ship.”

Throughout World War II, different species of animals served the battlefields as workers and companions. The animals of the war ranged from: horses, donkeys, cats, and dogs. National Archives continued to note that “the backs of animals bore the food, weapons and sometimes the men of infantry units.”

In 1940, the Essex Scottish Regiment were accompanied by their mascot terrier, Colonel Boots. The admirable Colonel Boots’ welfare was overlooked by Corporal Sandy Hamilton. Described as a “wire-haired Terrier mascot,” Colonel Boots was often found sporting his miniature tartan uniform and Glengarry.

Like the Essex Scottish, the Kent Regiment was also accompanied by a mascot. “Nemo,” the Alsatian Shepard was the regimental mascot and police dog. Nemo, originally from London, Ontario, was placed up for adoption by his previous family. Nevertheless, F.J. Norris of the District Records Office in London gifted Nemo to the Kent Regiment, believing he would make a good mascot. Nemo settled into military life by accompanying the Kents on marches and choosing “to stick to them through thick and thin.”

Throughout their noble military careers, both mascots often went “absent without leave” by escaping care and the daily routine. Colonel Boots managed to escape for two days, but all was forgiven once he returned to the Regiment.

Story by Taylor Blackmere, Canada Summer Jobs 2022 participant
with The Essex and Kent Scottish Regiment Association

Sources

• Duty Nobly Done: The Official History of The Essex and Kent Scottish Regiment. By Sandy Antal and Kevin R. Shackleton, 2006
• Buddies: Soldiers and Animals in World War II by Liza B. Canadian National Archives, 1996

“Nemo” the Alsatian Shepard of the Kent Regiment.

The Essex Scottish’s Colonel Boots accompanied by Corporal Sandy Hamilton. The Wirey-haired Terrier. Col. Boots is wearing a miniature Tartan uniform and Glengarry.