Animal Uses
Horses and mules were used to transport ammunition and supplies to the front and many died. They lived in constant gun fire but also in terrible weather and bad conditions. Mules were found to have great stamina in extreme climates and over the most difficult terrain. The dog's qualities of intelligence and devotion were appreciated and used by the forces in conflicts throughout the century. These faithful animals ran messages, laid telegraph wires, detected mines, dug out bomb victims and acted as guard or patrol dogs. More than 100,000 pigeons served Britain in the First World War and 200,000 in World War II. They performed greatly and saved thousands of lives by carrying vital messages, sometimes over long distances, when other methods of communication were impossible.