Lest We Forget: Military Dogs

I’ve had a few dogs coming to training wearing poppies on their collars. Of course Remembrance Sunday is coming up on November 11 when we remember the fallen in past and present conflicts. What you may not know is the major role hero dogs played in both world wars. Indeed, military dogs are still used extensively in conflict zones to this day.

At the start of the First World War, Britain was lagging behind in the use of dogs in conflict. The British command soon realised what a valuable asset Germany, Italy and other nations had with a well trained canine presence. The British War Dogs School was established and dogs were trained in just six weeks. Once in the field, they were initially used as messengers, an invaluable resources in the days before sophisticated telecommunications.

20 000 dogs served on the Western Front in World War I. These included Lurchers, Airedales, Collies, Whippets and Great Danes. They were used to search out injured soldiers, to keep watch and as runners. There are may examples of the bravery of these hero dogs. Jack the Ariedale was despatched with an urgent message requesting reinforcements for a regiment cut off and surrounded by German forces. He was struck twice by German bullets but kept going, delivering the message and saving the regiment. He died of his injuries.

Military Working Dogs are now an indispensable part of many operations. Working alongside highly trained dog handlers, they are used for security, to detect explosives and to track insurgents. They also bring a much needed boost to moral amongst the troops.

There’s so much to be said for the intelligence and loyalty of a dog. At this time of year, it’s appropriate to remember these brave dogs and their handlers, who fought for the freedoms we enjoy today.

If you’d like to learn more about Military Dogs and the role they played in World War I, this is an excellent short video by historian Dan Snow.

Posted: October 26, 2018