Animals in War

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   Today the 24th of February is the National Day for War Animals in Australia. On this day the nation will recognise the important roles that animals have and continue to play in war. Animals have been put to many uses in war, serving as transport, beasts of burden, messengers, protectors, mascots, and pets. They have played an important part in all wars in which Australians have been involved. 
The NSW Police Dog and Mounted Command were invited to attend a special memorial service at Cronulla RSL this morning. The service was held at the Club’s Memorial Garden which features a bronze plaque dedicated to animals who have served during times of war and peace, the first of it’s kind at an RSL club in NSW.
Thank you to Cronulla RSL for having us and to the staff for providing the photos.
Mounted Unit - NSW Police Force

Edited by Gay3 - 13 Mar 2026 at 3:00pm

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acacia alba Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Champion Joined: 31 Oct 2010 Location: Hunter Valley Status: Offline Points: 46758	Post Options Post Reply Quote acacia alba Report Post Thanks(1) Quote Reply Topic: Animals in War Posted: 26 Feb 2023 at 5:25pm
	Today the 24th of February is the National Day for War Animals in Australia. On this day the nation will recognise the important roles that animals have and continue to play in war. Animals have been put to many uses in war, serving as transport, beasts of burden, messengers, protectors, mascots, and pets. They have played an important part in all wars in which Australians have been involved. The NSW Police Dog and Mounted Command were invited to attend a special memorial service at Cronulla RSL this morning. The service was held at the Club’s Memorial Garden which features a bronze plaque dedicated to animals who have served during times of war and peace, the first of it’s kind at an RSL club in NSW. Thank you to Cronulla RSL for having us and to the staff for providing the photos. Mounted Unit - NSW Police Force Edited by Gay3 - 13 Mar 2026 at 3:00pm
	animals before people.

acacia alba Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Champion Joined: 31 Oct 2010 Location: Hunter Valley Status: Offline Points: 46758	Post Options Post Reply Quote acacia alba Report Post Thanks(1) Quote Reply Posted: 14 Mar 2023 at 4:18pm
	https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-03-13/war-animals-remembered-for-their-service-to-humans/102029114
	animals before people.

Plastic letters Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Champion Joined: 21 Jan 2023 Location: Sydney Status: Offline Points: 12925	Post Options Post Reply Quote Plastic letters Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 14 Mar 2023 at 8:44pm
	One of my all time favourite movies….War Horse

stayer Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Champion Joined: 10 Aug 2010 Status: Offline Points: 28339	Post Options Post Reply Quote stayer Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 14 Mar 2023 at 8:45pm


acacia alba Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Champion Joined: 31 Oct 2010 Location: Hunter Valley Status: Offline Points: 46758	Post Options Post Reply Quote acacia alba Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 22 Apr 2023 at 3:46pm
	https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-04-22/from-an-unwanted-station-horse-to-an-anzac-day-educator/102249226
	animals before people.

acacia alba Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Champion Joined: 31 Oct 2010 Location: Hunter Valley Status: Offline Points: 46758	Post Options Post Reply Quote acacia alba Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 13 Mar 2026 at 12:28pm
	The Soldier Who Refused to Leave His Horse Behind When World War I came to an end, countless horses that had carried troops, hauled artillery, and suffered through the brutal conditions of the trenches were abandoned, sold, or put down. Yet one British soldier could not bear to part with the animal that had stood by him through it all — a war horse named Joey. Together, they had survived the mud, the shellfire, the gas, and the heartbreak of war. Joey had remained at the soldier’s side through freezing marches, rain-soaked nights, and the deafening chaos of battle. So when peace was finally declared and orders were given for the horses to be auctioned off or destroyed, the soldier made his choice. He refused. Looking at his commanding officer, he said, “I owe him my life. He’s coming home with me.” When the army denied him official transport, he made a remarkable decision: he would walk home with Joey. For the next three months, the pair traveled nearly 600 miles across the scarred landscape of postwar Europe. Along the way, strangers offered them meals, shelter, and even money for the horse. One wealthy man reportedly offered what amounted to a full year’s wages, but the soldier simply replied, “He’s not for sale. He’s family.” At last, they arrived in England. The soldier found work on a farm, and Joey was finally able to live out his remaining years in peaceful green fields — far from gunfire, fear, and war. Their story became a lasting reminder that even in the darkest times, loyalty can endure. #ManAndHorse #WWIBond #NeverLeftBehind #HorseHero Edited by Gay3 - 13 Mar 2026 at 2:56pm
	animals before people.