Felix the Cat
Mascot of 321 EOD Company RAOC
(and now 321 EOD Squadron RLC)

Felix the Cat has been widely adopted by bomb squads all over the world as their symbol because of his nine lives - a characteristic most bomb squad technicians covet, while at the same time hope they never need.

Felix was originally adopted by the British Armies, 321 EOD Company, Royal Army Ordnance Corps (RAOC)  in early 1970 when the unit was formed in Northern Ireland.

Their radio callsign became "Felix"

Over the years the cry "Send for Felix" has been heard whenever a suspect device has been spotted. But why Felix? The usual radio callsign for the Ordnance Corps was "Rickshaw", but this was deemed inappropriate for the bomb disposal teams and the name Felix, after the Hollywood cartoon character, was adopted - not only because cats have nine lives but also because of his ability on the silver screen to survive all sorts of mayhem !

However, It is rumoured that the adoption of Felix as a callsign was a mistake! 

The story goes like this:

Not long after 321 EOD Company RAOC was formed  in  the province they were told that they had to think of an Appointment Title to identify themselves. The then OC thought "Phoenix" would be a good name, to symbolise the unit rising from the ashes to conquer Irish terrorism. However the young signaller that he told this to misheard him and thought he had said "Felix"

As to if this story is true or not - I leave it to you !!!

Anyway the legend was born.

 ~

Examples of Felix

Left – Early 1970’s Printed on White ‘Tracksuit Badge’

Right – Mainland ‘Ammunition Inspection & Disposal Units’ (AIDU)
adopted a softer looking Felix wearing a Beret.

This painted example is a centre from a unit plaque.

321 EOD 'Felix' Vehicle Transfer

Original versions for Humber Pigs were Water Transfers, Later and currant examples are adhesive backed plastic.
(approximate full size 14" x 12")

Left – 321 EOD Squadron adopted this Woven on Black example for wear on Combats.

Right – 821 EOD Squadron had these ‘Desert Cats’ Sweatshirts produced for Op Telic, 2004

Left – A paper sticker produced as a handout in Northern Ireland to Children.

Right – A UK Mainland example produced for Army Display Teams.

2003 A5 Printed handout on the Ammunition Technicians trade.

Featuring our friend Felix – ‘The Cat with Nine Lives’

 Police ‘Tie Tacks’ featuring Felix

Tie Tacks have been for many years popular with Police Forces around the world.
Here are known UK Army EOD examples, many featuring our friend Felix:

Top Row ~ Left to Right

Original Small enamel pin produced for 321 EOD Company RAOC, PRI in late 1980’s

Later RLC version of Felix. -  Note that the helmet has Felix written on it.

Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) Tie Pin featuring Felix

Scroll below says ‘Working together to defuse the situation’

Pin was given to members of the unit by the RUC.

‘German Felix’ produced for 921 EOD Squadron RLC, PRI by PNTTR in 2001

Bottom Row ~ Left to Right

‘Teacher Felix’ produced for Army School of Ammunition, Felix Centre.

Pewter ‘Wheelbarrow’ produced by RoboTech for promotional use.

 ‘ Santa Felix’  produced for 321 EOD Squadron RLC, PRI by PNTTR Christmas 2003

Larger new issue ‘Felix’ produced for 321 EOD Squadron RLC, PRI by PNTTR Easter 2004
These last 2 are produced more in the style of the original RAOC Felix

Two Tie Tacks produced for joint Police/EOD exercises.

‘Demon Beacon’ and ‘Saton Force’

Note – PNTTR = Police National Tie Tac Register ~ Visit http://www.tietacs.org.uk/

M Comerford - July 2004 - HTML Revision 1