A mascot for the The Lonsdales

Hayes Gaffer, Greyhound

'The Lonsdales' were one of the battalions raised by Lord Kitchener. Theywere the 11th (Service) Battalion of The Border Regiment. The battalion served in France. Correspondence from 1915 held in Cumbria's Museum of Military Life.

Hayes Gaffer

A letter from Alfred Hall, head teacher of Seaton, 26 March 1915.

Seeing that the battalion is one raised in Sporting Counties with one of our greatest sportsmen at its head, and also that Coursing appeals to the majority of men of Cumberland & Westmorland, I shall be pleased to make the Battalion the present of the pure bred Greyhound dog ‘Hayes Gaffer.’

The Breed Archive has Hayes Gaffer born in February 1911. The dog was fawn. Hayes is a pedigree greyhound bloodline.

Coat

A letter from R. Sewell, saddler and harness maker of Carlisle, 1 May 1915.

Before the Battalion leaves Camp I should like to have the pleasure of presenting yourMascot [with a coat] for when he leads the Regiment. As to colour and as a suggestion I would either say Lord Lonsdale’s [racing] colours, blue, trimmed with yellow with a monogram L.B. in the hind corners.

Thank you

Dear Sir, The ‘Lonsdale Mascot’ has arrived safely, and is greatly admired. He will march at the head of the Battalion when we leave on Wednesday, and I hope that he will lead the Battalion back when our work is done.Thank you for the Pedigree which shall be carefully preserved, and for your great kindness in presenting this beautiful dog.

Yours very truly

Lieutenant Colonel PW Matchell

11th Battalion

The Border Regiment