Your chance to support D-Day 80 and shine a ‘Light of Peace’ for animals who served in conflict
While in this year’s D-Day 80 commemoration – June 6 marks 80 years since the landings on the French coast – we will remember the men and women who gave service and sacrifice, we are also honouring the role that animals played in that mammoth 1944 offensive. It began the liberation of France from German occupation and went on to secure victory which brought an end to the brutal conflict that was World War Two.
Dogs and pigeons were among the courageous animals who served a vital role before and on that historic day. Dogs, similar to Woody, above, were trained to sniff out explosives and mines and to keep watch to warn of the approach of enemy soldiers. To get dogs into Normandy as soon as possible some were even parachuted in – the so-called Para-dogs. They were taught to get used to wartime conditions, like aircraft propellers and loud noises. They were also trained to identify the smell of explosives.
As the D-Day landings began, Brian, an Alsatian, was parachuted into the town of Ranville but became stuck in a tree on his way down, injuring his face. His fellow paratrooper, Sgt Ken Bailey, cut Brian down from the tree despite being under fire and the pair fought together over the next few months. The dog was presented with the Dickin Medal – the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross – on March 29, 1947, with the citation: ‘For excellent patrol work and qualifying as a paratrooper, Airborne Division, Normandy, June 1944.’
Days before D-Day, a pigeon named Duke of Normandy was dropped in. Driving rain and a northerly gale couldn’t stop him as he made his way back across the Channel. His heroics delivered critical intelligence to the Allied Command and saved many lives. For his bravery he too, was awarded the Dickin Medal.
The Animal Purple Poppy Fund was established from The War Horse Memorial, a national and Commonwealth monument built in Ascot, Berkshire, to honour animals who served in two World Wars. It seeks to raise money to support animal charities and The Household Cavalry Foundation. With my co-Founder, Alan Carr MBE, we will be encouraging our affiliated charities across the UK, America, and the Commonwealth – primarily Australia and New Zealand – to buy a Lamp Light of Peace, and to light it at 9.15pm on June 6, 2024 (local time) to coincide with the lighting of the Beacons, and shine a light on the animals who also served.
You can play your part in supporting and participating in D-Day 80, by purchasing a Lamp Light. Click here for details. For more information about D-Day 80 click here.
Susan Osborne
Co-Founder The War Horse Memorial