25/04/2024
We hope you will join us in taking this time to remember the sacrifices made by those who have defended and continue to defend our country.
We would also like to take a moment to remember the more than 16 million animals who provided service during the First World War. In Australia, the Purple Poppy has become a symbol of remembrance for these animals, who played important roles in conflicts throughout history.
Animals have played a significant role in war throughout history, serving alongside human soldiers, providing support, companionship, and assistance in various ways. They have been used for transportation, communication, and even combat. Camels, dogs, mules and horses, and pigeons are just a few examples of the many animals that have served in wars.
Camels
Camels were imported into Australia from the 1860s and used in the outback. During the war, the Allies used camels during Middle East campaigns to transport equipment and people.
The dromedary is a single-humped camel native to the Middle East and North Africa that can:
* carry up to 145kg
* survive without water for several days
* travel over 40km a day
Dogs
Dogs worked as guards, messengers, saved lives and were also companion animals.
Sometimes dogs were used to carry important messages when telephone links or wireless failed. A message was secured in a canister attached to the dog’s collar. The dogs were trained to operate in the noise and chaos of battle, and they could move quickly around shell holes and through trenches.
Teams of large dogs could be used to haul heavy equipment, such as carts loaded with a machine gun or ammunition.
Many dogs were adopted as mascots and pets.
Donkeys and Mules
Many donkeys were brought ashore at Gallipoli to help with transport. They would haul ammunition, supplies and water from Anzac Cove up the steep hillsides to the men in the trenches. They also became walking ambulances.
Horses
Horses were needed for the officers and many of the troops in the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) during the war.
Individual horses were selected for their ability to carry up to 120kg, day after day. This load included a rider, saddle and horse tack, rations for the horse and rider, a bedroll, clothing, rifle and ammunition.
While on the move, the horses were fed from a nosebag, a canvas bag filled with feed and tied over its head.
Pigeons
The pigeon is a hard-working military bird. Pigeons can fly fast over very long distances - without stopping - and they have very strong 'homing' instincts to help them find their way back home to their loft.
The birds were delivered to the front line in baskets and released with messages on the situation.
Veterinary care
The Australian Army Veterinary Corps was formed in 1909 to care for horses in the military. Veterinarians treated animals with wounds and injuries, and inoculated them against dangerous diseases when vaccines were available.
In the event of an emergency on this public holiday, please do not hesitate to contact WAVES on 9412 5700, they are open 24hrs a day, every day of the year.
