What Animals Were Used in World War 1?
World War I was a global conflict that ravaged the world, lasting from 1914 to 1918. More than 70 million soldiers, including horses, mules, and other animals, were involved in the conflict. Animals played a vital role in the war efforts, serving as mounts for cavalry, pack animals for supplies, and even part of the military arsenal as messenger animals. In this article, we will take a closer look at what animals were used in World War I.
Domesticated Animals
- Horses
Horses were the backbone of the cavalry, transporting soldiers into battle and participating in charges. A total of 1,000,000 horses served in the war, according to the British War Memorial Committee. Horses also served as pack animals, carrying supplies and equipment, and as ambulance horses to transport the wounded.
Horse Cavalry in the Great War
- Mules
Mules were used as pack animals, carrying heavy loads over long distances. Up to 1,600,000 mules and donkeys were used, according to the American Forces in France. Mules were also used as water carriers, carrying water and other essential supplies to frontline troops.
Dogs
Dogs were used as essaging animals, carrying messages across enemy lines. Seventy-five percent of all messages were carried by dogs during the war, with the British using over 10,000 dogs as messengers.
| Breed | Total Used |
| — | — |
| Alsatian | 3,000 |
| German Shepherd | 2,500 |
| Collie | 1,500 |
4. **Donkeys**
Donkeys were also used as pack animals and were particularly useful in traversing rough terrain. **Up to 1 million donkeys were used during the war**, according to the British War Memorial Committee.
**Wild Animals**
1. **Pigs**
Pigs were released in enemy trenches to stimulate the growth of vegetation and create a barrier between opposite sides. **Over 200,000 pigs were released**, according to historian John Ellis.
[Piglets in the Trenches](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tk3K7XV4K3Q&list=PL6q7y7y-7JW8H4iW&index=3)2. **Rats**
Rats were used as messenger animals, carrying messages over short distances. **There were reports of rats crawling through the trenches, seeking food and shelter** in the midst of the bloody conflict.
[Rats in the Trenches](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vr7K7X_4K3Q)**Other Animals**
In addition to the above domesticated and wild animals, other animals played important roles in the war effort.
1. **Birds**
Birds were used as **message carriers** and **spies**, with some birds being equipped with tiny cameras to report on enemy movements.
[Pigeons in the Trenches](https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=QG_x9JG6v3M)2. **Bees**
Bees were used to purify water and produce vital supplies of honey and candles.
[Bees at the Front](https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=QG_x9JG6v3M)**Statistics**
* **1.5 million animals died**, according to the British War Memorial Committee.
* **Over 1 million soldiers were killed**, according to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
* **The use of animals in World War I led to significant medical advancements**, including the establishment of veterinary hospitals and surgical units.
**Conclusion**
In conclusion, animals played a vital role in the war efforts during World War I. From horses to mules, dogs, donkeys, and rats, animals were used to transport supplies, carry messages, and even participate in battles. The use of animals in the war contributed to significant medical advancements, and their sacrifices will be remembered forever.
