During the first world war millions of animals were used for transport, to carry vital communications and as companions to the troops. This week, the PDSA posthumously awarded an honorary Dickin Medal – the ‘animal VC’ – to the horse Warrior, on behalf of all the animals involved. Warrior served throughout the whole campaign with General Jack Seely, surviving machine-gun attacks, shells and the mud of Passchendaele. Animals were not only used for work. Dogs, cats, and more unusual animals including monkeys, bears and lions, were kept as pets and mascots to raise morale and provide comfort amidst the hardships of war.
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