The Wellington Infantry Regiment was a military unit of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force (NZEF) raised for service in the First World War.

Paddy was originally adopted as the mascot of the 7th (Wellington West Coast) Regiment prior to the First World War.

In May, Paddy became detached from the Wellington Battalion for several days, but was eventually found deaf and shell shocked.

He stayed with the Wellington Regiment until the end of the war and was eventually promoted to Scout Sergeant Major.

It was not until 1922 that finally plans were made for his return, by which time it was decided he was too frail to make the trip back home.