Animals In Military History
Animals In Military History
It's sometimes easy to forget the contributions of animals in military history. They may not understand what's happening around them, but they’ve nevertheless played a crucial role in battle, even in the 20th and 21st centuries. Here are some interesting stories about animals and their role in some of the world’s most influential conflicts.
Corporal Jackie The Baboon
During WWI, animals—mostly horses—were used much as they had been in previous conflicts, pulling carts and in cavalry divisions. Corporal Jackie was a baboon and not a conventional military animal—he was a South African officer's pet who became the unit mascot and was injured a number of times in combat. He was trained to salute and attained the rank of corporal and after losing his right arm, he was awardedthe Pretoria Citizens Service Medal.
White Vision The Pigeon
A female homing pigeon, White Vision served in the National Pigeon Service during WWII. In 1943, after delivering a message from a flying boat wrecked off the coast of Scotland, she was awarded the Dickin Medal for gallantry, an award given exclusively to animals.
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Rip The Dog
Another recipient of the Dickin Medal, Rip was a mixed-breed terrier who worked in search and rescue during The Blitz in WWII. A stray found in 1940, he is credited with saving over 100 people.
Ministry of Information Photo Division Photographer, Wikimedia Commons
Rob The Dog
During the North African Campaign of WWII, Rob worked with the British Special Air Service (SAS). He was awarded the Dickin Medal after having made over 20 parachute jumps in combat. The story may be fabricated or at least exaggerated, but Rob did serve the SAS with a distinguished record.
