War horse Blackie’s remarkable life honoured in moving Merseyside tribute

A lone Piper leads the tribute to Blackie by his newly created memorial on War Animal Day.

War Horse Memorial was represented by our newest Ambassador, Heather Charles, at a special service to remember Blackie the war horse from Halewood, on Merseyside.

Heather, a local historian, joined Standard bearers, pipers a bugler, senior personnel from the Royal British Legion, local Mayor, Councillor Iain Hamilton and more than 70 residents from the Miller Homes housing development where Blackie’s grave is located and preserved.

Blackie, who features as one of our 100 Hero Horses, was involved in the Battles of Arras, Somme, Ypres, and Cambrai. He served with the 275th Brigade Royal Field Artillery during the First World War, alongside his master Lieutenant Leonard Comer Wall.

Heather has conducted research on Blackie’s life and has assisted with an art project and the memorial, which has been created by artist Simon O’Rourke, whose previous work includes a commission for the acclaimed TV drama, Game of Thrones.

Lord Mayor of Halewood, Iain Hamilton, and a Royal British Legion representative pay their respects.

Historian Heather Charles, who researched Blackie's life and remarkable service and survival of bloody battles in the first World War, stands by his resting place in Halewood.

She said: “Blackie was hit by shrapnel but survived the war which was quite an achievement. Lieutenant Wall had left provision for his horse in his will. Blackie was repatriated and eventually retired in 1930 and until his death became a living legend leading Liverpool’s May Day Horse Parade, with another former war horse called Billy. This special service helped us remember the millions of animals like Blackie who have given service and sacrifice over countless conflicts.”

Heather laid a wreath of knitted purple poppies and County Chairman, Kathy Filkins laid a wreath of red poppies on behalf of the Royal British Legion. Our good friend Bill Sergeant sold our pin badges and raised £100.

Members of he Royal British Legion lower their flags as a mark of respect during the ceremony.