Lest We Forget The Animals Of War

As an animal lover, it’s hard to ignore the fact that many animals went to war, standing in line with no questions asked. Only unyielding courage and incredible loyalty. Lest we forget the animals of war.

During the years between 1914 and 1918 millions of animals went to war. These animals suffered the terrors that accompany war such as bullet wounds, post-traumatic stress, infection, and hunger. Their part in the war should never be underestimated because without them there might have been more suffering. Over sixteen million animals were recruited in the first world war with millions dying in their efforts. 

Lest We Forget The Animals Of War

Horses were under great pressure and heavily relied on during this time. Officers desperate for more horses managed to recruit one hundred and forty thousand within the space of two weeks. These horses were taken from hunting stables, farmers and businesses. Some of these would be later trained and used as Cavalry horses charging into battle. 

However, what wasn’t accounted for was the increase in weapons such as machine guns, barbed wire and high explosives. With these new types of weapons, horses didn’t stand a chance which meant a high percentage of them died when going into battle. 

They were sent to and from the front line transporting injured soldiers, supplies and firearms. This was a dangerous place for a horse to be with very little protection from shell fire. 

Although many horses were injured or killed in battle. The poor weather and terrible conditions stole many of these horses’ lives. 

Unfortunately, the majority of these amazingly brave creatures did not return home and were sold off to work on farms or to butchers. The RSPCA and Blue Cross managed to rescue just a few who went to live in sanctuaries. 

‘The horse the Germans couldn’t kill’

One horse who survived the war was known as the Warrior or by some as ‘the horse the Germans couldn’t kill’. Subjected to machine guns, flying shells, overflowing mud floods that took many a life and being trapped on several occasions under burning beams he managed to make it out receiving the Dicken Medal, this is the highest honour an animal can receive for serving in the military. 

Like horses, dogs were another animal that had been recruited for the war, taking a man’s ‘best friend’ to another level. Like all the animals defending their countries, they worked extremely hard. Travelling to the front line, carrying medical supplies to the injured and if a soldier was dying they would wait with him becoming known as a ‘mercy dog’. 

Other tasks carried out by our beloved four-legged friends were running messages, detecting mines, killing rats in the trenches and digging out bodies that had been bombed. 

These tough little characters continued to support their soldiers through injury showing great bravery and devotion. They provided comfort, companionship and increased morale for those missing home. 

Sergeant Stubby

Sergeant Stubby was just one of many dogs that went to war. He took part in seventeen battles and with his excellent senses, he was able to warn soldiers of incoming fire, gases and spies. This small Pit-Bull was the only dog to be given the rank of a sergeant as he captured an enemy soldier sneaking about the trenches. He supported many soldiers with his uplifting nature and fearless attitude. Although he got injured, Sergeant Stubby went to live on until the age of ten with his master. StubbyDog.org is a website named after him to create awareness of the Pit-Bull.

Pigeons Joined The Fight

Perhaps an animal that might be overlooked is the pigeon. We see them all over cities and busy towns and I’m sure many of us don’t give them a second look. But these little birds have done their fair share. 

Over one hundred thousand pigeons joined the service throughout world war one and just like the other animals. Without them, the outcome could have been slightly different. They were an excellent source of communication and vital to the army. Especially between ships that didn’t have wireless telegraph systems. This small bird was also sent to the front line delivering updates to help the commanders.

Cher Ami 

One little pigeon that became known as Cher Ami survived open firing whilst trying to deliver a message. Determined to get to its destination it continued on, having been shot through its breast and leg. She was just one of the many birds that were successful in her missions. 

These were just some of a long list of animals that went to war. They should always be remembered and respected as living creatures who can do the things we couldn’t do in times of need and desperation. 

In 2004 a monument was erected in Hyde Park. Paying tribute to all those animals that have served in war throughout the twentieth century. 

In 2006 Animal Aid introduced the purple poppy to make people aware of all the animals that were taken to war. They wanted to address these victims because no other charity had. They were some of the innocents of war. Since then there has been a slight change with the charity creating a new badge excluding the poppy. This badge will represent those victims lost in the war and any victim in the future. The purple poppy has since been taken over by Murphy’s Army who again pays tribute to the animals lost in the war and those that continue to serve today.