d War, making communication almost impossible without these birds.
Even in WWII, pigeons were still vital for transporting messages across rugged terrain, such as mountainous areas where wireless radios didn’t work so well.
Dogs and cats
Other animals, such as dogs and cats of war, were mascots and companions to help raise morale in the most challenging circumstances. Not only did these faithful companions provide unconditional love and support for our vulnerable soldiers, but they also helped to reduce the number of rats in the trenches, helping to reduce one of the most common hygiene issues.
Why were dogs so crucial during times of conflict?
Every animal that has stood alongside us during times of conflict has played a significant role in aiding our soldiers to victory. Among the most famous companions are dogs, and there are many reasons why their heroic efforts often take centre stage.
Not only did our faithful friends provide companionship, but they also carried out several important tasks that we could not do alone.
For example, canines possess a sense of smell 50 times greater than ours, allowing them to sniff out deadly IEDs more efficiently than any machine we can create. The American Defense Department suggested that ground patrols can uncover around 50% of these explosive devices, while dogs can detect up to 80%.
Additionally, dogs were crucial in helping wounded soldiers. Not only could they locate the soldiers quickly, but they could also deliver urgent medical supplies and provide companionship to those who were incapacitated.
Remembering all furry unsung heroes
Wearing a purple poppy alongside your red one symbolises the bond between humans and animals and reminds us that many Anzac animals sacrificed their lives for us.
The great work of the Australian War Animal Memorial Organisation (AWAMO) helps to provide a voice for those with no voice of their own, and educate the general public on the sacrifices made by various animals for our benefit.
Buying a purple poppy from AWAMO helps to fund ways to honour these incredible sacrifices. Your donation could help pay for an animal memorial, it could fund the medical costs of an animal who has been injured on the front line, or it could be used to train support animals to offer companionship to those who have fought bravely during wartime.