Annual Remembrance Service for Animals in War
The huge contribution made by millions of animals in military conflicts was remembered today (9th November 2012) as dogs, horses and even a mule attended a special remembrance service at the Animals in War monument on London’s Park Lane.
The animals attended the event alongside many of the UK’s animal welfare and advocacy organisations who laid wreaths in memory and admiration of all the animals that died whilst serving alongside their human allies.
Although the contribution made by animals in war has recently received international recognition with films such as War Horse, The Animals in War monument was only unveiled by HRH the Princess Royal in November 2004, 90 years after the start of World War I. Trustees of the Animals in War Memorial Fund raised the £2 million needed to build the monument through a national appeal and the consequent generosity of many individual donors, charities and companies.
- Eight million horses and donkeys died in the First World War whilst transporting ammunition and supplies to the frontline. Many mules also served courageously on the Western Front and in the overwhelming heat of Burma, Eritrea and Tunisia during World War II. They were represented today by Polo the Mule alongside The Irish Draught Horse Society (GB), The Donkey Sanctuary, The Horse Trust, The British Mule Society, World Horse Welfare, Redwings Horse Sanctuary, The Household Cavalry, The Brooke and Blue Cross
- Hundreds of dogs were used to run messages, lay telegraph wires, detect mines, dig out bomb victims and act as patrol dogs. Many of these bold dogs battled on despite suffering injuries, showing courage beyond belief and loyalty to their handlers. They were represented by Louie the Labrador alongside Dogs Trust, The Kennel Club, PDSA, Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, Blue Cross, RSPCA, Greyhound Rescue, Irish Terriers, NOWZAD and the Retired Greyhound Trust.
- More than 300,000 pigeons served Britain in the First and Second World War. They saved thousands of lives by carrying vital messages, over long distances. These feathered heroes struggled on through all weathers, often injured and exhausted in order to carry the vital messages. The Royal Pigeon Racing Association paid Tribute today.
Many other animals served bravely throughout the years, including elephants, camels, oxen, bullocks, cats, canaries and even glow worms. The Animals in War Memorial service is organised by Dogs Trust and the Petplan Charitable Trust. Animals in attendance this year include: three horses from the Household Cavalry led by Captain Rupert Hills, Polo the Mule accompanied by The British Mule Society and chocolate Labrador Louie accompanied by Dogs Trust.
Dogs Trust Chief Executive, Clarissa Baldwin OBE, commented:
“The Animals in War Memorial is a fitting tribute to the millions of animals who, through no choice of their own, served bravely alongside our servicemen and woman during military conflicts. Their contribution, whatever their size will be remembered forever with our sincerest thanks.”