Animals: Heroes of the Great War

Men have used animals in battle for thousands of years, including the Great War. Animals of all kinds participated in the war effort, from providing companionship to feeding and harassing soldiers. The millions of animals sacrificed in the war reveal the reality of the conflict's harshness, brutality, and absurdity.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 32 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2019
Publisher: OREP

For countless centuries, men have enlisted the aid of animals in the realm of battle. The Great War, too, was not an exception to this enduring tradition. Despite the onset of the twentieth century, marked by the emergence of remarkable technological advancements such as trucks, airplanes, and tanks, modernity found itself entangled in the web of the animal world. Animals of diverse species played their unique roles in the war effort, each contributing in their own distinctive manner. Some bravely fought alongside human soldiers, enduring the horrors of war and sharing in their fear, pain, and ultimate sacrifice. Others provided solace and support, offering a source of comfort during times of immense stress and hardship. Still, others fulfilled the critical task of feeding and caring for these valiant creatures, while others sought to exploit and harass them. The tale of the millions of animals that sacrificed their lives in the war serves as a poignant testament to the realities of conflict. It unveils the harshness, brutality, and absurdity of war, as exemplified by the staggering ten million animals that lost their lives.

The Great War, a pivotal moment in history, witnessed the convergence of human technological advancements and the enduring influence of animals on the battlefield. While modernity had made significant strides, it could not fully detach itself from the animal realm. Animals of various kinds played indispensable roles, from providing companionship and support to carrying out critical missions alongside human soldiers. Some animals bravely faced the enemy, enduring the horrors of war and sharing in the soldiers' fear, pain, and sacrifice. Others offered solace and comfort, providing a much-needed respite from the intense pressures of battle.

However, the war also brought forth a darker side, as animals were subjected to exploitation, abuse, and neglect. Some were forced to carry heavy loads, endure long distances, and risk their lives in dangerous conditions. Others were subjected to cruel training and experimentation, their lives sacrificed in the name of scientific progress. The millions of animals that sacrificed their lives in the war serve as a stark reminder of the human capacity for both compassion and cruelty.

Despite the horrors of war, the story of the animals that participated in it also highlights the resilience and adaptability of these creatures. They demonstrated their ability to adapt to new environments, form bonds with humans, and perform extraordinary feats of bravery. The Great War was a testament to the power of animals and their enduring significance in human history.

In conclusion, the Great War was a period of immense human suffering and sacrifice, but it was also a time when the power of animals was recognized and harnessed. Animals of all kinds played critical roles in the war effort, from providing companionship and support to carrying out vital missions. While the war brought forth immense cruelty and suffering, it also highlighted the resilience and adaptability of animals. The millions of animals that sacrificed their lives in the war serve as a reminder of the human capacity for both compassion and cruelty and the enduring significance of animals in our world.

Weight: 140g
Dimension: 236 x 124 x 5 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9782815104548