At 11am on the 11^th day of the 11^th month every year, we remember all those brave men and women who lost their lives, but at Peacock Vets, we also remember those animals who made their final sacrifices, too.

Animals have played a variety of roles in conflicts throughout time.  A horse called Bucephalus was said to be a huge black stallion which belonged to Alexander the Great.  Warrior, another  horse, served with General Jack Seely on the Western Front during the Great War.  Having been active in many battles, he returned to the Isle of Wight after the war and died at there at the age of 33.  He was posthumously awarded an Honorary PDSA Dickin Medal (known as the animal version of the Victoria Cross) in 2014 (marking 100 years since the start of the Great War).  He received the medal on behalf of all animals who served in World War One.

According to the Imperial War Museum, over 1.6 million animals served in World War One.  Horses and camel-mounted troops were used in desert campaigns and horses were used on the Western Front.  The RSPCA have estimated that 484,143 British horses, mules, camels and bullocks died between 1914 and 1918 with many hundreds of dogs, carrier pigeons and other animals losing their lives, too.

Animals formed a crucial part of the war effort.  Larger animals such as horses, donkeys, mules and camels carried food, water, ammunition and medical supplies whilst dogs and pigeons carried messages.  Dogs and cats were also trained to hunt rats in the trenches to help prevent the spread of disease.  Similar to the work that canaries used to carry out in mines, they were used to detect poisonous gases.  Horses wore gas masks during attacks and other animals were placed in special carriers to protect them from.

Throughout history, animals have been kept by regiments as mascots.  During the American Civil War, mascots such as eagles, bears, raccoons and squirrels were kept by troops.  They were also used to provide comfort and raise morale amidst the difficulties of war, with many stories of soldiers keeping both wild and domesticated animals as companions.  Michael Morpurgo’s book, War Horse, is a tender story of the close bond between horse and man during World War One which is based on true events.

As well as those who were serving with the military, pets are also impacted by wars.  During the second world war, the RSPCA rescued over 16,000 animals from bombed areas.  Many had to be euthanised due to their injuries, but others were successfully treated and rehomed.  By 1944, the RSPCA had established 734 animal rescue centres to care for the casualties, stray animals and other sick animals.  During the war, they rescued and treated over 256,000 animal victims of enemy action.

The Purple Poppy

In 2006, the purple poppy was created by the charity Animal Aid as a way to commemorate animals which served during conflicts.  There is a specific Purple Poppy Day held on August 23^rd each year to remember animals who have served or died in war.  This date was chosen as it coincided with the first time that horses were involved in the Great War at the Battle of Mons.

The Peacock Vets doesn’t condone war and has no affiliation with the charities mentioned in this article, but we believe that all animals deserve to be recognised for their amazing support, care and dedication that they show to their owners.  For those who gave their lives in war – we will remember them.