Fox in the box for August

A fox is the latest nominee to be part of our virtual calendar. We had to look long and hard to find evidence of foxes being used in war. But sure enough we found this photo of an RAF fox mascot sitting on a plane with the pilot during World War One.

According the Imperial War Museum archives this fox cub was the mascot of Number 32 Squadron. The cub is pictured at Humieres Airport, St Pol, France, in May 1918, and it is thought (but not confirmed) that he would take a spin in this bi-plane fighter.

Carol’s dog, Bailey.

Carol Carter, an animal lover from the North-East who is devoted to her dog Bailey, made the unusual request As we know, more than 16 million animals served in the First World War. They were used for transport, communication and companionship.

Thank you Carol for reminding us that animals were and are great morale boosters and provide comfort among the hardship of war and solace in peacetime, too.