Animals in the First World War

In 1914, the British Government and the Colonies appealed for volunteers to join the Armed Forces. Over 50,000 men and women stepped up to do their bit, yet it wasn’t only men and women who were to serve. According to the Imperial War Museum, 16 million animals served in the First World War in transportation, communication, military support and morale. 

1,300 officers and 27,000 men served in the Royal Veterinary Corps to support all the serving animals, including 106 British Jews. Units were often stationed close to the Front line, just like regular medical units, putting both animals and men at risk of their lives.

Visit the life story of Abraham Harry Albert Wenzerul (1897-1968), who served in the Woolwich Veterinary Hospital during the early stages of the war.

Horses were a traditional part of the army long before the First World War. Modern weaponry might replace cavalry charges but the regiments remained. Over one million horses were used by the British forces as their main source of transportation and to move large artillery guns. Horses and mules carrying men and supplies were regularly injured or became ill. Thousands died from the conditions they served in but rarely from poor treatment. Their value was fully understood by all. In the Middle East and North Africa camels also served to fulfil some of the roles usually carried out by horses.