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The only recorded mascot that the Coldstream Guards have ever had is Jacob the Goose. The origins of Jacob are somewhat obscure, but the following details are generally accepted as being correct.

In 1839, the 2nd Battalion were sent to Lower Canada to help deal with a revolt by the French Canadians. Although they were not involved in any large-scale engagements, they remained there as garrison troops until 1842.

The story goes that a goose was being chased by a fox when it was saved by a Coldstreamer. The goose then attached itself to the Jacob shown in background

Regiment and was named Jacob. He became a firm favourite with the men.

One cold, snowy winters night, a detachment of Coldstreamers was quartered in a remote farmhouse. Whilst the sentry was patrolling, some French Canadian rebels crept up with the intention of attacking the farmhouse. The sentry hadn’t seen or heard them, and the first that he knew of their presence was when he heard Jacob squawking and screeching. When he rounded the corner he found Jacob flapping his wings and attacking the rebels. The sentry turned out the guard and the rebels were seen off. Jacob was the hero of the hour.

Jacob was adopted as an unofficial mascot and returned to London with the Battalion in 1842. He was presented with a special gorget (as seen in the images), which he wore around his neck and he became quite a tourist attraction as he used to march up and down with the sentries outside the barracks.

Sadly Jacob was run over and killed by a van outside Portman Street Barracks. He was buried with military honours, and his head is preserved at Regimental Headquarters (see image above). He still proudly wears his gorget which is inscribed ‘Jacob. 2nd Bn Coldstream Guards. Died on duty.’

Note – A gorget was a medievil piece of armour worn around the neck to protect the throat or gorge. As the effectiveness of modern weaponry grew it was discarded as a piece of armour but was retained for decorative purposes. It was worn until the mid-19th century.