Kate Foran, Tennant & District Times

At 11am on 11 November each year, Australians observe a minute of silence, to respect the signing of the Armistice, or the end, of World War I, which took place on 11 November, 1918.

It is tradition to wear a red poppy today, with its leaf pointing to 11 o’clock. But did you know that there are also purple poppies? These are worn to recognise the service of animals to our Australian Defence Force.

Thousands of horses were put to war service, both in active frontline combat, and behind the scenes, pulling transport carts of equipment, supplies and large munitions across wartorn landscapes that mechanical vehicles could not pass.

But there were more than just horses at war. We now recognise the great company and positive influence of dogs on our modern mental health.

This was even more-so a century ago, in the trenches of warfare. When a dog was befriended, often a local breed who wandered into camp, he became the mascot of the men who shared their meals and water rations with their furry mate.

Dogs served the men well: giving them comfort when they were despairing or homesick; as message carriers between the trenches; and as an early warning to incoming air-raids.

The dogs’ superior hearing would alert the men, well ahead of human audio range, giving them a head-start to seek cover. The Australian War Memorial in Canberra contains many stories of the endearing and enduring relationships between soldiers and creatures.

Most of the animals who served alongside our soldiers, whether officially in service, or casually in trench mateship, ended up losing their lives in both World Wars.

Today [11 November], we remember and we honour their service. Today, we give thanks, particularly for the comfort they gave our Defence. Today, please give your own four-legged friend an extra hug, in commemoration of those who were lost to warfare. Lest we forget.

This article appeared in Tennant & District Times, 11 November 2022.