Why were animals useful in World War One?

War horses pulling a cart in a World War One battlefield

Before 1914 wars had mainly been fought by cavalries (soldiers who fought on horseback).

But both sides in World War One soon realised the muddy ground, barbed wire and machine guns made it too difficult to use horses for fighting.

Instead millions of horses were used to carry people and supplies.

Many other animals played a big part in the war as workers and mascots.

Watch: How animals helped soldiers

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Watch our video to find out more about animals in war.

How were animals used for work?

Many types and breeds of animals were well-suited to perform tasks such as guarding trenches, finding wounded soldiers and carrying messages.

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Horses carried wounded soldiers or weaponry
They had to be strong as fully armed and equipped soldiers were heavy. In total, around 8 million horses from all sides died during the war.
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Sentry dogs stayed with one soldier and guarded trenches
They were taught to give a warning sound such as growling or barking when they sensed a stranger close to camp. Many Dobermans were used as sentry dogs.
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Scout dogs were used to find the enemy
They could detect smells up to 1000 yards away. They were trained not to bark as this would draw attention. Instead they would give a silent signal, like raising their tail.
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Casualty dogs were trained to find wounded or dying soldiers
They carried medical equipment so an injured soldier could treat himself. They would also stay beside a dying soldier to keep him company.
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Carrier pigeons were used as messengers during the war
Pigeons always flew home when released, so troops made sure the pigeons' nests were in places where they needed to send messages.
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Some pigeons were kept in unusual places like old London buses
Homing pigeons became so valuable to the British army, the punishment for killing or wounding one was six months imprisonment or £100 fine.
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Elephants helped to pull artillery
Photos of elephants working were used to show people back home that even exotic animals were 'doing their bit' in the war effort.

Pets, mascots and livestock

There are many stories of animals who became companions to soldiers.

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Jimmy 'The Sergeant' was a donkey born at the Battle of the Somme
Jimmy was wounded three times during the war. He learnt to raise his hoof in salute. After the war, Jimmy raised thousands of pounds for the RSPCA charity.
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Jackie the baboon was taken to France by South African soldiers
Jackie had excellent eyesight and hearing and used to warn soldiers of enemy movement by making noises and tugging on their clothing.
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Togo the cat lived with the crew of the HMS Irresistible
Togo is pictured here sitting inside a canon on the battleship!
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A Royal Air Force Squadron kept a fox as a mascot
The RAF fox is pictured here sitting on a plane with a pilot during the war.
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A band of soldiers kept a golden eagle as a pet
This picture shows the eagle with a British officer in the Balkans in August, 1916.
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Chickens were kept in the trenches by some British soldiers
Keeping chickens allowed soldiers to have fresh eggs every day. This was helpful because their usual food rations were only small.
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Winnipeg 'Winnie' the bear was a mascot for Canadian soldiers
The Canadians gave Winnie to London Zoo in 1914. The writer AA Milne took his son Christopher Robin to the zoo, which inspired his famous stories about Winnie the Pooh.

Soldiers and rats

A little terrier dog shows off its catch after a 15 minute rat hunt in French trenches, September 1916 — Image caption,
Dogs made excellent rat catchers. This terrier hunted in French trenches, September 1916.

Not all animals were welcomed by soldiers. Rats fed on rotting food in the trenches and could have up to 900 babies every year.

Soldiers hated rats as they were smelly and spread diseases. They tried to get rid of them using clubs, bayonets and even guns.

Despite all this, rats were sometimes helpful. Many soldiers reported how rats sensed an oncoming attack and ran away, which warned them of enemy moves.

How did life change for animals and soldiers?

RAF men with pet rabbits on the Western Front in France during World War One. — Image caption,
Men of No. 59 Squadron RAF with their pet rabbits at Vert Galland Aerodrome, 15 May 1918.

Animals were essential for both sides in World War One.

As well as working hard, they were important for morale. Soldiers were able to show their caring side by looking after animals.

How are animals remembered?

The Animals in War Memorial in Hyde Park, London. — Image caption,
The Animals in War Memorial in London has been in Hyde Park since 2004.

In 2004, a memorial was opened in London to remember animals that died in wars. This includes the animals that served and died in World War One. It was funded by a national appeal and bears two inscriptions:

The first explains the memorial’s dedication to all the animals that served and died alongside British and Allied forces in wars and campaigns throughout time.

The second is smaller but equally important to remember: “They had no choice.”

Activities

Activity 1: Quiz – Animals during World War One

Activity 2: History Explorer game

Play this game to test your knowledge and learn even more facts about World War One.

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