24/04/2022
🐾 LEST WE FORGET THE ANIMALS TOO 🐾
Corporal James Coull from the 4th Division Signal Company with messenger dogs, Nell, Trick and Bullet, France 1918 AWM E02318
Casualty Dogs – These dogs would carry medical equipment to injured soldiers on the battlefield. They would also stay beside dying soldiers for comfort and alert others to the injured. The Red Cross utilised Bloodhounds and Airedale terriers who were trained to seek out the wounded.
Sentry Dogs – were trained to stay with their solider to guard and alter their handler with a low growl to suspicious activity. Dobermanns were the perfect choice for this task as they are masters at guarding and also their dark colouring allowed them blend into the environment, particularly at night.
Messenger Dogs – this was the most dangerous task for dogs on the battlefront in WW1 and WW2. These dogs were given messages and sent across battlefields when communications were cut. Many of these important messages were vital for success.
In 1917 Lt-Col. Richardson developed the first British War Dog School to train dogs in skills needed on the frontline. This paved the way for formal training for all dogs serving in the Military.
“Today, dogs are used in a variety of situations, from bomb detection to tracking,” Crighton says. “The Australia Military working dogs provide specialised detection, early warning and protection alongside tracking skills.”
These highly trained dogs continue to play a vital role in the Military, providing support for Special Operations across the globe.
