07/02/2025
This is so sad 😞
The First World War exacted a significant toll not only on human lives but also on approximately eight million horses, donkeys, and mules, whose suffering paralleled that of the soldiers they accompanied.
These animals were essential to the cavalry, serving as the backbone of military operations. As advancements in technology and weaponry surged, the battlefields of the early 20th century witnessed unprecedented levels of destruction. The formidable power of machine guns, heavy artillery, and extensive barbed wire fortifications rendered horses ill-equipped to face such lethal threats. Nevertheless, generals at the Somme, yearning for the bygone days of cavalry charges, recklessly ordered both men and horses into perilous situations, leading to catastrophic outcomes. For instance, during the 1918 Battle of Moreuil Wood, 150 horses were deployed against German machine guns, with only four surviving the encounter.
The British Army actively enlisted both working animals and beloved pets from civilian households. Horses were required to meet a minimum height of fifteen hands and were chosen based on breed and physical capabilities, with a preference for sturdier breeds over lighter thoroughbreds, as the former were deemed more resilient and better suited for demanding tasks. Conscription of horses was mandatory unless owners could demonstrate that their animals were vital for essential public services, such as food delivery or agriculture, where no suitable alternatives were available. Even in such cases, many farmers had to advocate with the government to retain their animals.
The existence of a war horse was fraught with brutality. Many succumbed to illness before even reaching the front lines, suffering from the deplorable conditions aboard transport ships bound for Europe. Issues such as sickness and dehydration were rampant, and overcrowding often led to injuries from falls or kicks. Transport vessels were frequently targeted by torpedoes or aerial assaults, resulting in the sinking of ships and the tragic loss of all aboard, both human and animal. Those who survived the journey often faced horrific conditions at the front.