August 31, 2017

Lady Saskatoon

When Arthur Buck enlisted in Lake Saskatoon in 1915, he donated a little brown bear – who was dubbed ‘Lady Saskatoon’ – for the company’s mascot. Unfortunately, no mention has been found of the little bear’s war experience.

Grande Prairie Herald ~ July 27, 1915
Arthur Buck makes a bear cub stand on its hind legs, ca. 1912

 

Rin Tin Tin & Nanette

These two German Shepherd puppies were rescued in France by an American corporal in 1918. He named them after the very popular French good luck charms, Rintintin and Nenette. Rin Tin Tin became a television star in the USA after the war, as did some of his descendants.


Rin Tin Tin, right, and his litter mate Nanette at a U.S. Army base in France shortly after Lee Duncan rescued them.

Source: National Museum of American History

Image Source: Pittsburgh Post Gazette

 

Winnipeg

Known as “Winnie”, this black bear cub was bought by Canadian cavalry veterinarian, Harry Colebourn, on his way to Valcartier. The cub accompanied Colebourn to England, where she resided at London Zoo. It was “Winnie” who was the inspiration for Winnie-the-Pooh.

Harry Colebourn and Winnie, 1914

Source: Wikipedia – Winnipeg

 

Cher Ami

Cher Ami was a carrier pigeon who was awarded the Croix de Guerre. On October 3, 1918, she saved the lives of 194 American soldiers by delivering her urgent message to headquarters despite having been shot through the breast, blinded in one eye, and losing a leg.

Cher Ami

Source: Wikipedia – Cher Ami
Image Source: Chemung County Library District

 

Simpson’s donkeys

During the Gallipoli campaign, Australian John Simpson spent three and a half weeks fearlessly transporting wounded soldiers on the backs of donkeys. He used at least five different donkeys, named “Duffy No. 1”, “Duffy No. 2”, “Murphy”, “Queen Elizabeth”, and “Abdul”. Simpson’s work was often done under fire, which led to his death on May 19, 1915.

Simpson (centre) with his donkey,bearing a wounded soldier.

Source: Wikipedia – John Simpson Kirkpatrick

 

Bonfire & Bonneau

John McCrae, the author of “In Flanders Fields”, was deeply affected by his war experiences. To assuage his grief, he spent long hours riding his horse, Bonfire, around the French countryside. His other special companion was his spaniel, Bonneau. Bonneau often accompanied McCrae while he made his rounds at the hospital.

John McCrae, writer of “In Flanders Fields,” stands beside his horse, Bonfire, and his dog, Bonneau. The dog would often accompany McCrae as he tended to wounded soldiers.

Source: Veterans Affairs Canada

Image Source: Canada’s Great War Album

 

Lestock

On their journey across Canada, and ultimately to Europe, the 49th Battalion stopped in Lestock, Saskatchewan. There, a well-wisher gave the men a coyote pup. They adopted him as their mascot and named him after the town. Today Lestock’s face appears in the centre of the unit’s badge.

Young Lady and Lestock, 1915

Source: Loyal Edmonton Regiment Military Museum

 

Nan

Nan, a white goat, was the mascot of the 21st Battalion. She was known throughout Belgium and France, and became the first mascot to cross the Rhine in 1918.

21st Battalion with Nan

Source: The 21st Battalion CEF

 

Togo

Little is known about Togo the cat, but the photo of him sitting inside an enormous gun on the HMS Dreadnought is quite famous. Ship’s cats were, of course, very useful for rodent control.

Togo the Cat

Source: BuzzGiraffe

 

Percy

This black cat belonged to the crew of the tank Daphne. Percy went into action with Harry Drader, one of the crew, who was later awarded the Military Cross. Percy became famous for being in the 1917 war film entitled “The Battle of the Ancre and the Advance of the Tanks”. After the war, Percy resided at the Drader home.

Percy

Source: First Tank Crews
Image Source: Cats, Chaos, & Confusion

Click here to view a video of Percy boarding a tank.

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