Sergeant Bill: The Goat Who Went to War With the Canadian Army
Sergeant Bill was a goat from the prairie town of Broadview, Saskatchewan, who went to war with Canadian soldiers in 1914. He served in France, is credited with saving three men from an exploding shell and came home with three medals and the rank of sergeant.
Quick Facts
- Who: Bill, a goat
- From: Broadview, Saskatchewan, Canada
- War: World War One, with Canadian troops in France
- Known for: Saving three soldiers from a shell
- Honors: Three medals and the honorary rank of sergeant
A Mascot From the Prairie
When soldiers from Broadview left for the war in 1914, they took a local goat named Bill with them as their mascot. The army did not plan on a goat going overseas, so he was smuggled along the way, and he made it all the way to France.
The Day Bill Saved Three Soldiers
The soldiers came to trust Bill's hearing. According to the regiment's story, one day three men were standing in the open when Bill suddenly charged and butted all three of them into a trench. Seconds later, a shell landed where they had been standing.
Wounded, Gassed and Court-Martialed
Bill was wounded and gassed during the war and kept going. He was also court-martialed once, for eating the battalion's paperwork. By the war's end he had three medals and the honorary rank of sergeant, and he returned home to Broadview.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was Sergeant Bill a real goat?
Yes. Bill was a goat from Broadview, Saskatchewan, who served as a mascot with Canadian soldiers in France during World War One.
How did Sergeant Bill save soldiers?
According to the regiment, he butted three men into a trench seconds before a shell landed where they had been standing.
Why was Sergeant Bill court-martialed?
For eating the battalion's paperwork.
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- 8 Animals That Have Been Given Official Military Ranks
- Wojtek the Bear: The Polish Army Soldier Who Carried Artillery at Monte Cassino
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Sources
- Wikipedia: Sergeant Bill: his service, the shell story and his medals
- Wikipedia: Canadian Expeditionary Force: Canada's army in World War One
More true animal stories: From Paw to Tail Blog
Cover photo: Unknown photographer, 1914 to 1918 via Wikimedia Commons, public domain.