Service Animals in World War 2
Amidst the chaos and turmoil of World War II, animals played a crucial role in various capacities, from providing companionship to soldiers to serving in essential roles on the battlefield. Whether boosting morale, transporting troops, carrying messages, or standing in battle, animals stood beside humans when we needed them most. This blog will shed light on some of the remarkable animals that contributed to the war effort, often overlooked in historical narratives, taking a closer look at interesting facts about animals in WW2.
War Dogs
Many different breeds of dogs in World War 2 played vital roles and carried out important duties. German Shepherds, Doberman Pinschers, and Labradors were all used in various capacities, because of their particular skills. Some served as watch dogs, guarding supplies and alerting soldiers to the approach of enemy troops. Combat dogs directly attacked enemy troops, while Red Cross dogs were specially trained to deliver medical supplies to injured soldiers on the battlefield. Dogs were used to carry messages, lay telephone wires, sniff out land mines, and perform search and rescue missions, sniffing out people buried under rubble. And, of course, dogs provided companionship to soldiers who were far from home, serving in the war.
Carrier Pigeons
Both sides used pigeons during World War 2, particularly when traditional methods of communication were considered impractical or too risky. The British military alone used over 200,000 homing pigeons, supplied by the National Pigeon Service. Sometimes pigeons were sent to spies behind enemy lines, but they were also used to send false codes to be intercepted by the enemy. RAF bombers carried pigeons in special cases when traveling deep over enemy territory, so that they could get a message back to a rescue team if they were shot down and their radios damaged. In addition to carrying messages, pigeons did important aerial reconnaissance work, flying over enemy territory with cameras strapped to their chests.
Horses and Mules
Horses, mules, and donkeys played a major role in both WWI and WWII, transporting troops, equipment, and supplies. This was of particular value in areas with challenging terrain, in areas impenetrable by trucks. These animals worked on the front lines, and donkeys and mules took over important jobs on the home front, in industry and on farms, doing jobs previously carried out by the horses that had been transported to the front. Equine animals stood alongside soldiers, often enduring harsh conditions, sometimes needing to wear gas masks.
Military Mascots
In addition to filling logistical needs, animals in World War 2 provided companionship to troops and boosted morale. Dogs, cats, and even exotic animals filled that role, providing comfort and camaraderie to soldiers during the darkest days of the war. Often, an animal that served largely as a mascot would also perform other important duties. Cats would hunt for vermin, and soldiers in India and Burma quickly discovered that adopting a mongoose meant having not only a pet, but also a friend who would fight off poisonous snakes and alert them to the presence of enemies. Mice offered comfort to those on active duty, like the mascot mouse named Eustace, adopted by the crew of LCT 947 and with them in Normandy on 6 June 1944. Many soldiers stationed in the western desert adopted an endearing little creature called a jerboa, and these gregarious little pets were nicknamed ‘Desert Rats’ and displayed on vehicles and uniform insignia of the 7th Armoured Division. There are many stories of animals cherished by soldiers during WW2, like Oskar, the cat who survived the sinking of the German battleship Bismarck in 1941, then the torpedoing of the Cossack, and was taken to Gibraltar by the HMS Legion. Nicknamed ‘Unsinkable Sam’ he was on the aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal when it was attacked, and one of the ships heading to help received a signal identifying a piece of board with a cat on it. When the crew found Oskar there, balancing on the board, he was rescued and given a home on dry land, in the Governor’s offices.
Warrior Animals
While countless animals helped in the war effort, there are some notable examples of famous war animals. For example, Chips, a German Shepherd-Collie-Malamute mix, was donated by his family and shipped out for training as a sentry dog. When he and his handler were pinned down by an Italian machine-gun team, Chips broke from his handler and attacked the gunners, forcing the four crewmen to surrender. The same day, he later helped take ten Italians prisoner. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, and Purple Heart, but the institution of an Army policy preventing official commendation of animals stripped him of his awards. He did get to go back to his family after the war, though, which was probably the reward he wanted most! He was posthumously awarded medals in 2018 and 2019. It was not only large, strong breeds that became famous dogs in WW2. Smoky, a 4 pound Yorkshire Terrier, was found by an American soldier in the New Guinea jungle, and initially thought to have belonged to the Japanese. When it was discovered that she understood commands in neither English nor Japanese, Smoky was sold to Corporal William A. Wynne for two Australian pounds. Accompanying Wynne on combat flights in the Pacific, she shared his rations and slept in his tent, and survived 150 air raids and a typhoon. According to Wynne, Smoky warned him of incoming shells on a transport ship, saving his life. She also learned tricks and entertained the troops, and when a telegraph wire needed to be run through a 21 m pipe only 200 mm in diameter, Smoky went through the pipe with the wire tied to her collar, completing what would have been a three day job in a matter of minutes.
Recognizing All the Heroes Who Served
The contributions of animals during World War II were invaluable, serving alongside humans with loyalty, courage, and unwavering dedication. It is not surprising that an enduring and unique bond formed between soldiers and their animal companions, forged in the crucible of war. While their stories may often be overshadowed by human accounts of heroism, it’s important to recognize and honour the sacrifices of these unsung heroes. Dedicated to preserving understanding of WW2 and honouring all those who served, Eden Camp Modern History Museum has been working for over 30 years to bring history out of dull exhibits in stuffy museums and into real life. At Eden Camp, our realistic tableaux, with moving figures and sounds and smells that are authentically historical, will transport you back in time, where you can experience life in Britain from 1939-1945. Once a prisoner of war camp, Eden Camp has been re-equipped to tell the story of the “People’s War”, with each hut covering a different aspect of the war. Our collection is ever growing, and our Heritage Exhibition Hall can be used for special events, occasions, and exhibitions. With immersive displays, we cover both social and military history, and our archive has become a resource of national historical importance. Come visit, on your own, with your family, or with a group- there is something here for everyone. Car and coach parking is free on site, our exhibits are wheelchair accessible, we have picnic areas and play areas, and we’re even dog friendly! For visitor enquiries, group bookings, and school visits, telephone (01653) 915214, or purchase tickets online.
