TROOPS' MASCOT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23602, 11 March 1940, Page 4

TROOPS' MASCOT

SAMOYEDE HUSKY BOG GOING IN SECOND ECHELON TAILOR-MADE KHAKI SUIT Wearing a puggaree studded with the hat badge and buttons of the. 15th North Auckland Regiment as a collar, Noodles, a pure-white Samoyede Husky, is the mascot of C Company of the 21st (Auckland) Rifle Battalion at Papakura camp. Allotted a regimental number, the dog has been officially permitted to accompany the battalion overseas.

Taken into camp about three weeks ago by his master, who found him refusing to eflt at home during his absence, the mascot already is a favourite with officers and men, but shows special preference for his master's platoon. He sleeps in the platoon hut and is a zealous sentry. Route marches are one of the delights of camp life to the husky, and if they prove too long or uninteresting he rides on the men's shoulders.

A khaki coat being made to measure by the headquarters tailor will further help to make Noodles a "real soldier." No doubt he will display his "uniform" with pride when he goes to Nelson on final leave, for which he has been issued with the usual leave pass. Special soap, powders and medicine given by an Auckland chemist should make the mascot a credit to his company and tlso safeguard his health against the •igours of active service. It is believed that although some .inits of the First New Zealand Expeditionary Force acquired mascots while in camp, none were taken overseas.