It may be overlooked by many people, but animals played a big role in World War II. Animals were used for a variety of reasons at different times of the war. Common animals that were used during the war include mules, horses, and dogs. As you can probably imagine, they were often used to carry things. In the United State Army alone, 20,000 dogs contributed to war efforts. Other than just carrying things, dogs were used for guarding and rescues purposes. Aside from directly contributing to the war itself, animals were also kept by soldiers as pets. Many of these animals were rescued from shelters (Aeul, Lisa B.).
Surprisingly, Pigeons were also used during the war. Just like in days past, they were used to deliver messages. More than ten thousand pigeons were used for this purpose not just during World War II but during the First World War as well. These birds were a part of historically significant events. For example, a messenger pigeon was used to deliver the news of the Normandy Landings, or D-Day (“War Animals From Horses to Glowworms: 7 Incredible Facts”).
Aside from common animals doing common tasks, there were also, more exotic animals used. It was not uncommon for animals such as monkeys, bears, and lions to be used as mascot. Even with these exotic animals, the use of common animals was still extensive. Another interesting animal used in the war were canaries. Just like in coal mines, these birds were used to identify if there was poisonous gas in an area (Talarico, Jessica).
From common uses to the simple purpose of boosting morale, animals were played an important role in World War II. Just like the soldiers, they fought bravely.
By: SJL
Surprisingly, Pigeons were also used during the war. Just like in days past, they were used to deliver messages. More than ten thousand pigeons were used for this purpose not just during World War II but during the First World War as well. These birds were a part of historically significant events. For example, a messenger pigeon was used to deliver the news of the Normandy Landings, or D-Day (“War Animals From Horses to Glowworms: 7 Incredible Facts”).
Aside from common animals doing common tasks, there were also, more exotic animals used. It was not uncommon for animals such as monkeys, bears, and lions to be used as mascot. Even with these exotic animals, the use of common animals was still extensive. Another interesting animal used in the war were canaries. Just like in coal mines, these birds were used to identify if there was poisonous gas in an area (Talarico, Jessica).
From common uses to the simple purpose of boosting morale, animals were played an important role in World War II. Just like the soldiers, they fought bravely.
By: SJL