The 8th/9th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment at Enoggera is marking ANZAC Day by reflecting on over five decades of tradition linked to its distinctive regimental mascot—Stan the Ram.
Marching on Four Legs: A History of Stan the Ram at Enoggera
For more than 50 years, a succession of merino rams, each officially named John Macarthur but known to diggers as Stan, has served as the symbolic mascot of the 8/9 RAR. The battalion is based at Gallipoli Barracks in Enoggera. As ANZAC Day approaches, the battalion reflects on the enduring legacy of Stan the Ram, a tradition born in 1971 and still marching strong in 2025.
Photo Credit: Australian Army/Facebook
From Scone to Parade Ground
The tradition began in early 1971 when Mr W.W. Collinson of Scone, New South Wales, donated a purebred merino to the 9th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment. With permission from the Macarthur-Onslow family, the ram was named Private John Macarthur I. This move is a tribute to Australia’s wool industry pioneer. However, among the soldiers, the name “Stan” stuck.
Formally presented on parade in March 1971, Stan quickly became a part of daily life and military routine. When 9 RAR was amalgamated with 8 RAR to form 8/9 RAR in October 1973, the new battalion retained the mascot without interruption.
Tales of Tradition and Discipline
Over the decades, Stan became more than a symbol—he was an active participant in battalion culture. Some stories are now legendary. In the 1970s, Stan I famously knocked down the brigade’s Regimental Sergeant Major, WO1 Lamb, outside Battalion HQ—a moment forever etched in the battalion’s collective memory.
Every Stan also leads parades and stands on review during commemorations. Stan V has taken part in significant events such as the 1992 Freedom of Entry to Brisbane and annual battalion birthday parades at Enoggera.
Photo Credit: State Library Queensland
Each Stan has held an honorary rank, starting at Private and sometimes progressing through promotions. The mascots are formally inducted, given service numbers, and assigned handlers—often junior soldiers tasked with training them for ceremonial appearances.
Stan’s Place in Ceremonial Life
The mascot’s fleece has been woven into regimental history in a literal sense. Over the past five years, the Caloundra Spinners and Weavers have processed the ultrafine wool from Stan—dyed in the battalion’s slate grey and beech brown colours—and braided it into ceremonial lanyards.
Photo Credit: Mac Kerrie/Instagram
These lanyards are now worn by battalion members on ANZAC Day, continuing a tactile link between the mascot and those who serve.
Stan the Ram Timeline (John Macarthur I–IX)
- 1971 – John Macarthur I
Donated from Scone, NSW. Became 9 RAR’s mascot. Then, 8/9 RAR’s mascot after the 1973 merger. Promoted to Corporal. - c.1979 – John Macarthur II
Killed by stray dogs after a pen relocation in 1984. - 1984 – John Macarthur III
Served mid-1980s; donated by the Roberts family. - Late 1980s – John Macarthur IV
Mascot during ceremonial years until 1991. - c.1991 – John Macarthur V
Held rank of Lance Corporal. Joined the parade for Brisbane’s Freedom of Entry in 1992. Retired when 8/9 RAR disbanded in 1997. - 2008 – John Macarthur VI
Revived mascot tradition after 8/9 RAR re-raised. Retired in early 2010s. - 2013 – John Macarthur VII
Served through mid-2010s. Retired in 2019. - 2017 – John Macarthur VIII
First to have a ewe companion, Lizzie. Retired in 2020. - 2020 – John Macarthur IX (current)
Enlisted and serving as the present mascot. Appears in parades and public events from Enoggera.
Photo Credit: Australian Army/X
More Than a Mascot
While dogs, pigeons, and horses played active roles in wartime, Stan the Ram represents a different contribution—symbolism, spirit, and connection. His presence at Enoggera has bridged generations of service, brought light-hearted relief to regiment life, and served as a community ambassador at schools, hospitals, and civic events.
Photo Credit: 8/9 RAR/X
Far from being just a novelty, Stan the Ram remains a respected part of 8/9 RAR’s structure. Saluted on parade and honoured in the mess, each Stan has reinforced the regiment’s heritage and offered soldiers a reminder that tradition, mateship and humour hold a place alongside duty and discipline.
An Enduring Presence at Enoggera
ANZAC Day will be commemorated at Gallipoli Barracks on 25 April. Stan the Ram’s story continues through his current iteration. Whether on parade, in the field, or at a community event, he stands not only as a mascot, but as a living emblem of 8/9 RAR’s history, identity, and the enduring link between soldier and service.
Published 10-Apr-2025
