25/04/2022
ANZAC Day, originally a commemoration of the landing of Australian and New Zealand forces at Gallipoli on the 25th April 1915, has grown to become perhaps the most important national day in Australia. In addition to recognising the service and sacrifice of all Australians who have served in war or on peacekeeping operations, ANZAC Day has become core to the identity of Australia itself, a day on which Australians reflect on the Anzac spirit and its place in Australia today.
Dogs of War
Lets take the time to also remember the dog heroes who continue to play a vital role for the Military.
They also provide comfort and unconditional love to soldiers in war torn areas.
Red Cross Dogs
Red Cross dogs were trained to find wounded soldiers. They carried bandages and medicine in the bags on their backs. If the soldier could walk, they could even guide the soldier back to his friends.
Transport Dogs
Horses were too big to bring supplies to the trenches, so dogs helped do that job instead. Special dog carts and harnesses helped keep the troops supplied with food and ammunition.
Guard Dogs
Dogs helped guard the trenches. They could hear the enemy coming and alert their human friends.
Gun Dogs
Dogs pulled carts with machine guns on them. The machine guns were heavy, and dogs helped to get them into battle quickly.
Telephone Dogs
Soldiers in World War One did not have radios or mobile phones, so dogs helped to lay telephone lines in battle, so that soldiers on the frontline could talk to headquarters.
They shall grow not old,
as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them,
nor the years condemn;
At the going down of the sun,
and in the morning,
We will remember them.
CREDIT-Text & Picture: Michelle Harrison