Throughout the course of the Second World War, many millions of animals
were enlisted to serve. Though they had no choice, yet they demonstrated
loyalty, determination and bravery as they shared the burden of war with
their human companions both on active service and on the Home Front.
From the dogs trained to locate air-raid victims buried under rubble, to
the mules that carried ammunition and supplies through the jungles of
the Far East, each animal played a crucial role in the war effort. In
fact, such was their contribution that those animals that showed
exceptional gallantry or devotion to duty were recognised officially
with the introduction of the Dickin Medal in 1943. This fascinating book
draws from first-hand accounts and contemporary sources to reveal the
wide-ranging contributions that animals made both on and off the
battlefield.