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Why were animals useful in World War One?

War horses pulling a cart in a World War One battlefield
  • Before 1914 wars had mainly been fought by cavalries (soldiers who fought on horseback).
  • Now millions of horses were used to carry people and supplies.
  • Many other animals played a big part in the war as workers and mascots.
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Watch: How animals helped soldiers

Watch our video to find out more about animals in war.

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What jobs did animals do?

Image gallerySkip image gallerySlide 1 of 7, Allied cavalry troops horse lowered down in a sling onto the quayside in Salonika Greece 1915, Horses carried wounded soldiers or weaponry They had to be strong as fully armed and equipped soldiers were heavy. In total, around 8 million horses from all sides died during the war.
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Which animals were pets and mascots?

Image gallerySkip image gallerySlide 1 of 8, RAF men with pet rabbits on the Western Front in France during World War One., Men of No. 59 Squadron RAF with their pet rabbits at Vert Galland Aerodrome, 15 May 1918.
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Rats

A little terrier dog shows off its catch after a 15 minute rat hunt in French trenches, September 1916
Image caption,
Dogs made excellent rat catchers. This terrier hunted in French trenches, September 1916.

Soldiers hated rats as they were smelly and spread diseases. They tried to get rid of them using clubs, bayonets and even guns.

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Activity 1: Quiz 鈥 Animals during World War One

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Bitesize Primary games. game

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