“Of course, you do know why we run dog agility and working trials as we do.”
Like a thunderbolt, these words ignited an emotion in Julia Robertson that
would change her life forever and inspire her to
found War Dogs Remembered
All in the name of serving us
A chance conversation with a client whose dog she was treating with Galen Myotherapy, revealed the amazing story behind the fun and games of dog competitions and sports like working trials and agility activities. Because, as you run with your dog, encouraging them over jumps and through tunnels, you are doing exactly what dogs were taught to do in the war zone. Exactly the same.
Your dog may have to jump that 6 foot scale or wall to get a clear round in a working trial. Their wartime equivalent had to jump high and swiftly over that wall and into the trenches, probably under gunfire, risking at best shredded paws from the barbed wire at the top of the wall, at worst taking a fatal shot…..
When your dog dashes through that clean multi-coloured PVC tunnel, they are echoing all the dogs who ran, crashed and pushed their way through the trench tunnels, no doubt covered in mud and all sorts of horrific debris….. And the long jump that for working trials needs to be 9 foot – that’s the width of a trench.
Who knows what dogs had to leap across in the lines as they traversed the complex, endless and disgusting trench system. All in the name of serving us.
Brave. Loyal. Lifesaving. Thousands upon thousands of these dogs risked everything and many gave their lives in WW1. At least a third were beloved family pets, donated to the war effort in response to Kitchener pointing his finger out of that poster. Can you imagine stroking the dog on your lap or at your feet who’s gazing lovingly into your eyes, knowing you are about to pack them off to The Front. The war had changed the way you did things. People on all sides were willing to sacrifice their sons, their horses and even their dogs to the war effort.
Other animals in warfare
There are numerous stories of how animals have been, and still are, used in warfare and the sacrifices they make. War Horse gave us an insight into the appalling fate of millions of horses and how many never made it back from the Great War.
An American pigeon called GI Joe saved more than 1,000 lives in WW2 when he got a message through saying that the village of Calvi Vecchia which was about to be bombed had actually been recaptured by British forces. He was dispatched as a last resort and arrived at the airbase just in time to stop the Allied air force from bombing their own men.
Dolphins have been used to locate underwater mines as well as rescue personnel and locate objects. The US Navy, for example, is known to have deployed dolphins in the two Gulf Wars and sea lions after the 9/11 attacks.
Honouring and looking after the animals of war
Along with sacrifice and terror, has also come an honouring. The Dickin Medal was instituted in 1943 by PDSA founder, Maria Dickin, to honour the work of animals in WW2. It is the equivalent of the Victoria Cross and bears the words “For Gallantry” and “We also serve” . GI Joe was presented with the medal in 1946. Our Dumb Friends League provided vital veterinary care for animal casualties from 1912. It was later renamed The Blue Cross Fund (now the Blue Cross) after the flags flying above the animal hospitals and ambulances to distinguish them from The Red Cross. There are also many charities paying tribute to the role of animals used in war.
Dogs and War Dogs Remembered
Dogs have served us faithfully in times of war, ever since we domesticated them. They are the only animal that has served throughout while others have come and gone. Their loyalty and range of skills is invaluable in combat. War Dogs Remembered was set up by Julia in 2015 to pay tribute to and raise awareness of all the dogs who have served in the military.
The charity is keen to encourage a show of respect rather than a celebration of this loyal service. Every year, Julia normally takes part in the Remembrance Parade in Ypres, Belgium, with her Labrador Molly who wears a coat saying,
“Pet dogs like me saved thousands of soldiers’ lives”
War dog school
The British government was initially against using dogs in WW1, but our desperation grew as the war dragged on and they were eventually drafted in to help. We taught them to do all sort of things, but most of all to save lives – ours not theirs. Those pet dogs – primary sniper targets – walked out onto the battlefield carrying first aid to soldiers who could self-administer to themselves and to their comrades. More gravely wounded soldiers would take solace from these mercy dogs who would wait with them whilst they died.
Other dogs ran messages down the lines, proving much faster and less obvious than a human runner or any vehicle. Early in 1917, Airedale Terriers Wolf and Prince ran 4 km in less than an hour through a smoke barrage over very difficult terrain (as classified by war records) to deliver a message when all other methods of communicating with HQ had failed. These dogs were literally trailblazers. They had been trained by Lt-Col. Richardson who was subsequently asked by the War Office to establish the British War Dog School later that year. Although he had pioneered his work with Airedales, who showed great aptitude for sentry and patrol work, other breeds were recruited according to their suitability for the various tasks needed. Sheepdogs, collies, lurchers, Irish terriers, Welsh terriers and deerhounds were considered especially useful. Likewise, German shepherd and Doberman type dogs were commonly used by German troops. Dogs were also used as scout dogs to sniff out the enemy, ratters and even mascots giving emotional comfort to stressed and injured soldiers.
Imagine giving up your family dog
Dogs were sought from homes like Battersea Dogs Home, police were instructed to round up and send strays, and eventually the government appealed for family pets to be donated. It was a time of worsening food shortages and so the government promised that the dogs would be well fed and cared for in the Army.
Thankfully, the War Dog School recruits were kindly trained with positive reinforcement techniques despite it being a dreadful irony that such a gentle method was being used for something so ultimately tragic. Lt-Col. Richardson said that the most important qualities for the dogs’ handlers were:
“To be of an honest, conscientious character, with sympathetic understanding for animals”
Although many dogs were active through the fiercest bombardments, Richardson’s records were brim-full with amazing testimonials. The fact that the dogs were nimble and so well trained often meant that injuries were avoided.
Dogs were extensively employed throughout WW2 and continue to be used today in conflicts and peace keeping duties around the world.
Smoky – one of many
Smoky in her soldier’s helmet – a tiny Yorkshire Terrier who served in New Guinea and the Philippines in WW2 performing numerous acts of bravery in the field including laying a wire under an airstrip through an 8-inch diameter pipe. She also became a therapy dog, visiting her American soldier, Corporal Bill Wynne, and others in hospital. She was posthumously awarded Australia’s National RSPCA Purple Cross Medal in 2015. Bill Wynne was thrilled. Picture: kind permission of Bill Wynne
You can find many more tales of brave and loyal dogs on the War Dogs Remembered website and their Face Book page.
So, how does War Dogs Remembered fit in?
We asked Julia to outline the role of War Dogs Remembered:
“We wanted to do more than create a memorial. We felt there was a need for something more practical that dog owners and walkers could physically connect to and gain some sort of feeling for how much these dogs did, and still do, for us.”
Dog walking trails
This is where the idea of developing a series of dog walking trails came from. In collaboration with canine expert Caroline Kisko, who came up with the idea of a trail, and Steve Jenkinson from the Kennel Club, a specialist in interactive trail construction, War Dogs Remembered has constructed the first of these trails in Victoria Park, Broom Farm Estate, Dedworth, Windsor.
As well as a 2 km perimeter walk, there are six (optional!) obstacles to be negotiated each of which is dedicated to a war dog. These include various jumps, tunnels, balance and weaves which echo their wartime origins. A plaque at each obstacle commemorates an individual dog and tells the story of their contribution to our history and survival.
Armistice Day 11th November 2021
The Trail was opened in 2021 and Julia was pleased to tell us:
“We were so excited to have launched the first of many trails in Victoria Park. It’s right in the heart of the Broom Farm Estate in eight acres of wonderful parkland, so it will be an enriching place for soldiers and their families to go. It’s open to the general public and their dogs to enjoy as well. Following the trail and trying out the obstacles will provide a great opportunity for owners to really connect with their dogs.“
“The whole trail is based on fun and learning as a way of honoring these dogs and to make us realise how lucky we are that our lovely, gentle companions have given so much to keep us safe. And that some have paid the ultimate price for their service.”
Getting local schools involved
Children from the Alexander First School, Windsor were central to the opening ceremony which took place on Armistice Day 2021. Each child was given a Royal British Legion commemorative wooden stake and they were asked to place it by the relevant dog activity obstacle. Two more were placed by the remembrance flagpole.
Kieron Rowley (formerly a Rifleman with 2 Rifles and 7 Rifles, now L/Cpl of RAMC Reserve) played The Last Post and Caroline Kisko recited the Exhortation:
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.
Reveille was played and Veteran Albert Clifford recited The Kohima Epitaph.
When you go home, tell them of us and say,
For your tomorrow, we gave our today.
This was followed by the stake planting. Julia said:
“The children were amazing and started to interact with our dogs, going with them over and around the obstacles, it was wonderful. They got to know each dog as an individual and learned about the brave contribution they made to war. This gave them an insight into the wider aspects of war and its implications for their world today”
War Dogs Remembered are currently fundraising for their next trail. Please visit their website to find out more about the charity and how you can help.
War Dogs Remembered commemorative medal
A special commemorative medal for dogs to wear was launched to commemorate Remembrance Day 2022. It’s made of wood and has a ribbon to attach it to your dog’s collar or harness. The money raised from the sale of these will go towards opening more activity trails. See below for a link to get more information.
CAM4animals is proud to support War Dogs Remembered and believes that it is important to remember the role that dogs, and all other war animals, have played in supporting armed forces personnel and the number of lives saved by their actions.
Links
Commemorative Medal
Steve Jenkinson Access and Countryside Management Ltd.
Galen Myotherapy Canine Therapy Centre
Remembering Animals In War blog
Galen Myotherapy special offer
Julia Robertson is also the founder of Galen Myotherapy – a unique and highly specialised massage and exercise management therapy for dogs. It uses appropriate, effective and targeted techniques along with exercise planning to manage chronic muscular pain, reduce inflammation and to maximise muscle function.
Galen Myotherapy has very kindly offered CAM4animals’ supporters an exclusive 10% discount off their Foundation Course. The course is aimed at owners, enthusiasts, and people who work with dogs who have no prior knowledge. It is 100% online so you can complete it wherever you feel most comfortable — and whenever it best fits into your schedule. The course provides excellent professional advice and support and is a fantastic way to connect with your dog and support their health at home.
To enrol, go to the Galen Myotherapy website and enter the code M4A10 at the checkout.
Updated November 2022.
Isobel Hunt
Isobel is a Co-Founder and active CAM4animals supporter along with her Jack Russell who has integrated veterinary care. She has a background in wildlife conservation and writing, and is passionate about the importance of addressing animal welfare and environmental issues.
Disclaimer – Where blogs have been created by a guest author, CAM4Animals has reproduced this in good faith but cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies of information in it or any use you make of this information.
The veterinary Surgeon’s Act 1966 restricts the treatment of animals (usually other than your own*) by anyone other than a qualified vet. Always consult a veterinary surgeon if you are concerned about your animal’s health. *For full details visit the RCVS website