ANIMALS OF WAR

As well as the many men and women who served in WW1, there were also many animals.  These animals were also an important part of the war effort.

From pigeons and dogs and even glow worms they were used in all sorts of different ways.

Over 16 million animals served in WW1 were used for work, such as transport and communications, like dogs and cats.  But some more unusual animals such as monkeys, bears and even lions, were kept as pets, mascots and morale boosters.

In 1914 large cavalry horses and camel-mounted troops were used for campaigns in the deserts. 

As mentioned, animals were a crucial part of the war effort.  Horses, donkeys and camels carried things such as food, medical supplies and ammunition to men on the front line.  While dogs & pigeons carried messages, canaries were used to detect poisonous gasses.   Cats & dogs were also trained to hunt rats in the trenches.  Even a fox was used as a mascot for No. 32 Squadron in 1918.

Information taken from and to see more Animals that went to war and for more information, go to

https://www.iwm.org.uk/history/15-animals-that-went-to-war

“The British, Commonwealth and Allied forces enlisted many millions of animals to serve and often die alongside their armies. These animals were chosen for a variety of their natural instincts and vast numbers were killed, often suffering agonising deaths from wounds, starvation, thirst, exhaustion, disease and exposure.

The Dickin Medal

The PDSA Dickin Medal – recognised as the animals’ Victoria Cross – was named after Maria Dickin, the founder of the PDSA, formerly known as the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA).

Between 1943 and 1949, 54 animals received the medal, including 32 pigeons, 18 dogs and 3 horses. Here are just a few examples.”

Extract taken from https://animalsinwar.org.uk/history/

There is a poignant poem about a dying horse by the Great War poet Henry Chappell (1874-1937) called A soldier’s kiss.

To commemorate all these brave animals there is a dedicated monument in London; The Animals in War Memorial, Brook Gate, Park Lane, London W1.

To see more about the monument, read some stories of animals who won The Dickens Medal and the poem A Soldiers Kiss with lots more history, visit: 

https://animalsinwar.org.uk/history/

To commemorate the fallen in the wars, whether it be the many soldiers and civilians or the animals why not make your own tribute using our poppy fabrics or the Animals of War panel.