Coperal Jackie the Baboon
Jackie was a chacma baboon who was found and adopted as a baby byAlbert Marr (1889-1973), at his family farm just outside Pretoria, South Africa.
When Marr joined the 3rd South African Infantry Regiment in 1915, he asked whether he could take
Jackie with him, to which the officer commanding the regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Edward Francis Thackeray (1870-1956), agreed.
Jackie was well trained and, having been reared by Marr, had developed a remarkably human-like personality, making him popular among the regiment’s men.
He joined the regiment in drill as they trained (holding a wooden rifle and learning to salute as required.
As the men formally enlisted, Jackie was adopted as the regiment’s official mascot, receiving his own
specially fitted uniform and even a pay book.
The regiment saw active service in Egypt and on the Western Front, where Jackie accompanied Private Marr wherever he went
It was said that when Marr was on sentry duty, Jackie was able to give a warning of enemy action with his keen vision and hearing.
During the German Spring Offensive in 1918, the South AfricanÂ
Infantry Brigade suffered a large number of casualties, of which Jackie was one.
He received medical treatment, but unfortunately, had to have his leg amputated.
Nevertheless, Jackie and Marr survived the war, and upon their return to Britain, Jackie was promoted to corporal.
Like many animals, Jackie’s fame was put to good use, as he and Marr toured with the Red Cross to raise funds for the charity.
