War Horse supporters gather across nation to remember animals lost in battle alongside brave armed forces in struggle for freedom
Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday are timely reminders, particularly with war currently raging in Ukraine, of the human cost of conflict.
For us at War Horse Memorial, it is also a poignant time to remember the millions of animals, including horses, donkeys and dogs, who served alongside brave soldiers fighting to secure peace and freedom during World War One. In the Second World War, animals were again called on to contribute to the war effort. Because records were incomplete we will never know the true extent of how many lost their lives. What we do know is that the death toll runs into many millions
All across the UK people and their treasured pets have been wearing purple poppies with pride and laying wreaths of knitted purple poppies to honour that sacrifice. Here, we share just a few of the images you have sent us. All the money we raise from the sale of our poppies is used to support our good causes. That way we believe the memory of all those who perished in the service of our country will never be forgotten.
Supporter Jan Breen from Maidstone, Kent, with her friends and colleagues annually visits the Great Dorset Steam Fair, armed with boxes of our purple poppies. This year they have raised £930 and sent us these pictures of the displays they created to raise awareness of The Animal Purple Poppy Fund.
Mid Sussex was well represented this year. The children from Holy Trinity School, Cuckfield, heard a talk from War Horse Memorial co-founder Susan Osborne and decided they wanted to play their part in remembering lost animals by creating a beautiful knitted poppy wreath. Emma Saunders, assistant headteacher, explained: “In Year Six we have been covering World War One and what it meant for British people and our Allies. To hear about the role that animals played in the conflict was so interesting for our students.
“Many of them have dogs and cats and other animals which are treasured family pets. To hear how they would have been seconded to help the war effort was a real eye opener. Our school was honoured to lay our purple poppy wreath at Holy Trinity Church war memorial, and we chose Thomas Roffe, Charlie Hare, Amelie Mallinson, Luke Crossley, Scarlett Leask, Amir Alanbuki all (pictured below) to represent us.”
Members of Year Six from Holy Trinity School, Cuckfield, West Sussex.
Dad Sam with eldest son Jake.
Meanwhile, just a couple of miles away in Haywards Heath, nine-year old Jake Dungate, supported by his dad, Sam, and twins, seven-year-olds brother Ethan and Rose, stood alongside the local police chief, senior officers from the fire brigade, Royal British Legion and the local Mayor to lay a wreath in among the red. Jake and his family are great supporters of our work and he said afterwards he felt proud if a little nervous to be representing us.
Elsewhere, you have been sending in your photos of war animal tribute. Below, from left: tribute at the feet of our War Horse Memorial in Ascot, Berkshire; a Cornwall florist’s tribute featured on the BBC; side-by-side in Bolton, Greater Manchester; a pet shop window in Witham, Essex; a single purple poppy displayed in Neston, Cheshire.
At Valley Vetcare, Rochdale, Greater Manchester, receptionist Gill produced this wonderful montage. Not surprisingly, it created a lot of interest and donations. Practice manager Sharon was able to send us more than £100 to support our good causes.
The Animal Purple Poppy Fund uses the Poppy® trademark under licence from the Royal British Legion, but is not endorsed by, or affiliated with or otherwise connected with the Royal British Legion.