Battalion Mascot
MA444 L/Cpl Ridgeliegh Blue II

Blue Dog was promoted to the rank of L/CPL by the Commanding Officer, LTCOL Scott Goddard, at an official promotion ceremony held at Long Tan Lines on the 42nd Birthday of the Battallion - 6 Jun 07.

History of Blue Dog

 

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History of the 6th Battalion Mascot
In 1975 the CO of the Battalion ordered the Bn 2IC to obtain a 'Blue Heeler' as the unofficial Battalion Mascot.  The 2IC purchased MA001 Pte Ridgeliegh (Blue) for a total of $30.  On 28th Oct '76 'Blue' was accidentally run over and the Battalion was left without their mascot.  In 1978 the next 'Blue' was given to 6 RAR by 8/9 RAR during an exercise in Shoalwater Bay as somewhat of a joke given the Battalion did not have a mascot.  A wretched old dog was obtained from the local pound by the 8/9 RAR Padre at a cost of $1.50 and promptly named "Wart" by the troops.  The dog was left as a surprise gift in the dug-in command post during a relief in place activity.  The CO at the time, LTCOL Mick Harris,MC, kept the animal and on return to barracks, ordered the dog cleaned, wormed and marched in as the Battalion's mascot.  In 1981 a new dog was brought into service with the Battalion, "PTE Saltwood Sharaz Jasmine" (alias Blue).  There have been six Australian Cattle dogs in the role of 'Battalion Friend' with the current being a healthy male who has been with the Battalion since November 1998.  On 31 July 2006, 'Blue Dog' was given his official mascot status by Army Headquarters and officially registered as MA444 Private Ridgeliegh Blue II.