A History of Animals in World War II - Remembrance Day
What is Remembrance Day?
Remembrance Day is held every year on the 11th of November and has been since 1919. November 11th was chosen as the day as it marks the armistice of World War 1 on the 11th hour, of the 11th night, of the 11th month in 1918. The purpose of remembrance day was initially to remember those who lost their lives in the first world war, however, it has come to be a day commemorating the lives of those soldiers that have lost their lives in all further conflicts including World War 2, the Falklands, and campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Remembrance Day, however, should be a time to remember all lives lost due to conflict all over the world, whether it is human or animal. It can be easy for people to forget that war affects all life. In this article, we will remember some of the brave animals that played a role in World War 2.
Remembering animals on Remembrance day
It is important to pay respect to all of those lives that were lost during conflicts all over the world, both human and animal. Many people may not be aware that animals have even played a role in conflicts dating back to World War 1. Paying respects to animals lost due to war can be difficult as the roles they played are not often spoken about in history classes or documentaries. However, films such as War Horse have helped to shed light on the heroics displayed during major conflicts.
Did animals help Britain win the second world war?
Animals were not just used by the British and Allied forces during the second world war. Both sides used animals in different ways during the second world war, so it is hard to say whether or not they specifically helped the allies to emerge victorious. Some will argue that without animals the allied forces would not have been as successful as they were, especially during the allied invasion of occupied France.
What animals were used in World War 2?
There were a large number of animals that were used in World War 2, whether they were used as service animals or simply as companions. All manner of animals were involved in the second world war including horses, donkeys, dogs, cats, elephants, camels, pigeons, mongooses, rats, mice, and many, many more.
How many animals died in World War 2?
World War 2 was the most costly conflict in terms of human lives lost. Around 56 million people died as a direct result of the second world war, 25 million of which were armed forces. It is hard to tell how many animals died as a result of World War 2. The number is likely to be in the 10’s of millions, but it is impossible to know. Unfortunately, it is rumoured that two species of animals would become extinct during World War 2, both being flightless birds native to the Pacific islands.
One thing we do know however is the government initiative of having pets put to sleep at the start of the war. A pamphlet put through doors suggested that people should put their pets to sleep so they were not tempted to share their rations with their animals. This resulted in a nationwide cull of pets, with the death toll exceeding 750,000 in a single week. Battersea Cats and Dogs Home would care for over 150,000 dogs and cats during the war, and also created a pet cemetery in a field in Ilford. After the war, many pet owners regretted their decision to put their pets to sleep as they felt that it was not actually necessary, and blamed the government for creating mass hysteria.
What roles did animals play in World War 2?
Animals played a major part in World War 2. Without animals, of all different shapes, sizes and species, the world could be a very different place than it is today. Here are some of the animals that contributed during the second world war, as well as the role they had.
What role did horses have in World War 2?
Horses played a large role during world war 2, and the first world war. Horses were used for transportation, as part of cavalry units, or for carrying cargo into areas that were impenetrable by trucks. Horses were used differently by each nation in the war, however their main role was for transporting cargo.
What role did donkeys have in World War 2?
Because of the number of horses transported to the front during the second world war, donkeys became pivotal at home. They would take over the jobs horses did on farms and in industry, and played a huge role in keeping the country going from home.
What role did dogs have in World War 2?
Both sides would use dogs during World War 2. Dogs would provide soldiers with company, but would also be used to guard supplies as soldiers would be alerted by their dogs barking. Dogs were also used to carry messages, as well as rescuing downed pilots.
What role did cats have in World War 2?
Cats played a very important role during World War 2. Due to rationing, food was in short supply. Cats would be placed in areas where food was being stored as means of deterring away mice and rats who would eat the valuable commodity.
What role did elephants have in World War 2?
Elephants also played a major role in World War 2, especially in areas of Asia and North Africa. Elephants would be used to transport cargo, lift heavy loads, and would even be used to transport troops across rough terrain. Elephants have been credited with being major parts of victories in Asia.
What role did camels have in World War 2?
Camels, although you may not think it, played a huge role during World War 2, in a place you may not think. The Soviet Union used camels during the invasion of Nazi Germany. Around 350 camels took part in World War 2 for the Soviet Union, with many others being used in North Africa. It is rumoured one Soviet camel, Kuznechik, also made it all the way to Berlin after Soviet forces captured the city. Kuznechik was rumoured to have spat on the German parliamentary building the Reichstag.
What role did pigeons have in World War 2?
Pigeons were also used by both sides during World War 2. The United Kingdom would use around 250,000 pigeons during the war for a number of jobs. Pigeons would be used to carry messages to spies behind enemy lines, as well as sending false codes that would be intercepted by the enemy.
Which animals were used as companions in World War 2?
Many other animals would take part in an unofficial capacity. Animals would be used as companions by soldiers all over the world. Stray dogs, cats, and even donkeys would accompany soldiers, and some would become unofficial mascots of battalions or groups. Some more unusual companions during the second world war include mongooses and mice. All of which should be remembered this, and every, Remembrance Day.
Sources
https://www.rspca.org.uk/whatwedo/whoweare/history/secondworldwar
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Military_animals_of_World_War_II
https://www.bluecross.org.uk/story/remembering-animals-second-world-war
https://www.iwm.org.uk/history/15-animals-that-went-to-war
