Mascot for the 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (1RAR), a shetland pony stallion named ...

Mascot for the 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (1RAR), a shetland pony stallion named Corporal Septimus, in parade dress. In August 1951, then commanding officer of of 1RAR, Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col) Ferguson DSO MC, noted in the battalion's diary the need for a mascot to help raise the spirits of the men. He opted for the purchase of a shetland pony which was presented to the Battalion at the 6th birthday parade. A competition was held to name the mascot and the name "Septimus" continues to this day. He was enlisted into the battalion in 1951 at four years of age and continued as the unit mascot until his death in 1967.

Corporal Septimus (regimental number H201) was known for his indifference to discipline and his service record is marred by several misconduct charges, including the attempted biting of Sir John Laverack, the Governor of Queensland in 1953; kicking a superior officer; and being confined to barracks on several occasions for being AWOL. As part of his official duties he met with Her Majesty the Queen and Prince Phillip, Governors General, Governors and countless Heads of State. He died in April 1967 and was buried at the Hawkesbury Agricultural College. He has since been succeeded by other shetland ponies, Septimus Secundus (1967-77), Septimus Tertius (1977-93), Septimus Quartus (1993-2011) and the current mascot, Septimus Quintus (direct descendant of Septimus Quartus).