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HomeDEFENCEUnsung heroes: Animals on the Battlefield

Unsung heroes: Animals on the Battlefield

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Millions of dogs, horses, bears, dolphins, mules, donkeys, camels, pigeons and other animals have played an indispensable part in warfare.

Horses

One of the earliest and most significant uses of animals in warfare was the domestication of horses, which revolutionised mobility and cavalry tactics. Cavalry soldiers mounted on horse backs swiftly moved from one place to another and punched holes in the enemy defences since ancient times. Horse cavalry was an integral part of the armies during Hittites, Assyrians, Persians, Greeks, and Romans civilisations. The Hittites were among the earliest civilisations to rely upon horse driven chariot warfare. Chariots pulled by horses played an integral part in ancient warfare, and served as mobile platforms for archers and spear throwers. One of the most famous examples of this kind of warfare was the Battle of Kadesh (c. 1274 BCE) – one of the largest chariot battles in which thousands of chariots clashed against one another.

The Assyrians used both light and heavy cavalry units for reconnaissance, flanking, and rapid strikes. The Persian cavalry played a crucial role despite being ultimately outmanoeuvred by Alexander the Great’s forces during the Battle of Gaugamela (331 BCE). The most notable example of Greek cavalry was Alexander the Great, whose elite cavalry units played a decisive role in his conquests. Alexander’s cavalry tactics included the use of the wedge formation. The Romans used cavalry for scouting, pursuing fleeing enemies, and supporting infantry operations. The Scythians were known for their highly mobile horse archers, who would strike swiftly and retreat before the enemy could respond. Cavalry also played a prominent role in the Egyptian, Mesopotamian, and Chinese armies.

Elephants

Elephants served as ancient tanks for intimidating and disrupting enemy formations. Famous generals like Alexander the Great and Hannibal utilised war elephants to create a psychological impact on the enemy troops. The sheer size and power of elephants caused panic and disarray among enemy soldiers on the battlefield. Hannibal famously used war elephants during his campaign against Rome, including his audacious crossing of the Alps.

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Camels

Camel mounted cavalry, known as “camel corps,” was used effectively by Arabian and African armies for transporting troops, supplies, and equipment exploiting the camel’s ability to travel long distances without water where horses might struggle.

Dogs

Dogs have been used to guard trenches and military installations — alerting soldiers about the presence of the enemy, carrying messages, and laying telephone lines as well as for detecting explosives such as bombs and mines. In addition to this dogs were used to attack enemy formations or carry messages on the battlefield. Casualty Dogs also known as “mercy dogs,” have been trained to find wounded soldiers, carry medical supplies or lead medics to the injured on the battlefield. Dogs have also served as companions and mascots, boosting the morale of soldiers.  

Cats

Cats were kept in trenches and ships to control rats, which posed a threat to food supplies and hygiene. Like dogs, cats also served as mascots, offering company and comfort to soldiers.

Mice and rats

African giant pouched rats, known as HeroRATs have been used to detect landmines. These rats are light enough not to trigger mines and have an excellent sense of smell, allowing them to locate explosive devices quickly and safely.  HeroRATs also have the ability to detect tuberculosis (TB) in human sputum samples. They can quickly identify TB-positive samples by their scent, providing a rapid and cost-effective screening method in areas with limited medical resources. Research on these animals has led to significant advancements in understanding diseases, developing vaccines, and testing treatments that benefit military and civilian populations. Their sensitivity to changes in the environment can serve as an early warning system to monitor environmental conditions such as detecting harmful chemicals, air quality, or structural weaknesses in military facilities. In some instances, rats have been used for psychological operations to spread fear and confusion among enemy troops. For example, during World War II, the British Special Operations Executive (SOE) developed a plan to use dead rats filled with explosives. These rats would detonate, causing disruption and fear. Historically, rats and mice have also been used by military forces to spread diseases, such as plague, among enemy army and civilian populations

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Birds

Falcons and other birds of prey have been used for reconnaissance while Carrier Pigeons have been used since ancient times to carry messages across distances. Pigeons carried vital messages from the battlefield to the Command Centre. They were particularly useful when other communication methods were compromised. Likewise, Canaries known for their ability to detect toxic gases have proved to be extremely useful for providing an early warning to soldiers in their trenches.

Oxen and Cattle

Since the good old days Oxen and Cattle have been used to transport logistics and pull carts loaded with supplies, weapons, and essential equipment.

Mules and Donkeys

Mules and donkeys have been used for carrying supplies, weapons, and equipment, because of their ability to navigate difficult terrain particularly in rugged and mountainous areas where motorised vehicles could not operate. In mountainous or rugged areas where horses are less effective, mules and donkeys known for their stamina and resilience, are essential for maintaining supply lines.

Swine

According to historical accounts, war pigs were used to counter war elephants. The loud squeals of pigs would frighten the elephants and make them panic or become uncontrollable.

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Other Animals

Dolphins and Sea Lions known for their intelligence and ability to operate underwater were trained for mine detection, object recovery, and harbour protection. This makes them valuable assets in naval operations. Some armies used other animals like lions, tigers, and bears in warfare to intimidate and demoralise the enemy.  Some ancient armies used beehives or other insects as a form of biological warfare. Hives were thrown into enemy ranks to create chaos and inflict painful stings. Likewise Glow-worms were used in some instances to provide light for reading maps and messages in the trenches. Wojtek, a bear, served with Polish soldiers during World War II, and provided comfort and companionship to soldiers.

Animals played a diverse and critical role for mounted attack, transportation, casualty evacuation, communication, and bomb disposal on the battlefield during World War I. Over 16 million animals participated in the First World War where they were used for transport, communication and companionship.

Some 8 million horses were used by both Axis and Allied powers for transport, and logistical support during World War II. Tens of thousands of dogs were trained and deployed in the United States, Soviet Union, and Germany for messenger duties, search and rescue, mine detection, and guarding.

Hundreds of thousands of pigeons were used by the British and American forces for carrying messages. Hundreds of thousands of mules and donkeys were employed, particularly in regions where mechanised transport was less effective, such as mountainous and rugged terrains. Tens of thousands of camels were used in North Africa and the Middle East by both Axis and Allied forces for transport and logistics. Thousands of cats were kept aboard ships and in military installations for pest control.

Also Read: How do animals communicate with each other

Though cavalry charges are a thing of the past, horses have been used for transporting troops, supplies, artillery, and ambulances, particularly in areas where motor vehicles are ineffective due to mud and rough terrain. Many of the horses suffered from injuries, and disease due to harsh terrain and adverse weather conditions. The British Army alone used over one million horses — many of whom did not survive.

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Neeraj Mahajan
Neeraj Mahajanhttps://n2erajmahajan.wordpress.com/
Neeraj Mahajan is a hard-core, creative and dynamic media professional with over 35 years of proven competence and 360 degree experience in print, electronic, web and mobile journalism. He is an eminent investigative journalist, out of the box thinker, and a hard-core reporter who is always hungry for facts. Neeraj has worked in all kinds of daily/weekly/broadsheet/tabloid newspapers, magazines and television channels like Star TV, BBC, Patriot, Sunday Observer, Sunday Mail, Network Magazine, Verdict, and Gfiles Magazine.

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