Animals in the First World War

Description

The burden of the Great War was not shouldered by soldiers alone: the tasks, the camaraderie, the day-to-day life and the devastation were all shared with the animals that accompanied the forces abroad. The horses that took part in the last cavalry charges or hauled heavy guns are the most famous examples, but were far from alone: pigeons carried vital messages, dogs sniffed out wounded soldiers, camels were used as beasts of burden in the desert, and even ships' cats and baby orang-utans had their parts to play. From noted historian Neil R. Storey, this book looks at all the practical ways in which animals were essential to the war effort, but is equally interested in their roles as companions, mascots and morale boosters - on land, in the air and at sea. Neil R. Storey is a social and military historian specialising in the impact of war on society. He has written over twenty-five books, countless articles and has given lectures across the UK, including at the Imperial War Museum. He has acted as a consultant on a number of television documentaries and dramas.

Neil Storey is a social and military historian specialising in the impact of war on society. He has written over 25 books, countless articles and has given lectures across the UK, including at the Imperial War Museum. He has acted as a consultant on a number of television documentaries and dramas. Molly Housego is a costume and textile historian and lecturer specialising in the role and experience of British women in both World Wars.

"Military historian, [Neil] Storey's Animals [in the First World War] offers a pleasing mix of horses and dogs in action and posing with their owners, and even some refugee rabbits and a goose escaping -the Gallipoli peninsula. The brief but detailed work will be great for reports (the quality indexes help in this regard); a comprehensive introduction and four to eight chapters...comprise a useful overview, and those who want to explore further will appreciate the further-reading and places-to-visit lists. Attractive, informative, and approachable." --Henrietta Verma, Library Journal