2015-12-15 Tue

During war times the countless animals assisted troops not only as a mode of transport but also as the most faithful companion. This companionship of the animals with humans is often forgotten. Australian Post, however, has remembered this bond of friendship and has issued a set of commemorative stamps featuring animals assisted troops on their missions.

Mules and donkeys have been vital pack animals in most war situations. The best known are Simpson’s donkeys, which carried first aid and wounded soldiers during the Gallipoli campaign in World War I. Horses were also an essential part of the army as a transport of people and goods. This particular stamp remembers thousands of horses sent from Australia died on the Western Front during World War I.

Pigeons were used by the Allies during both World Wars. Thousands of camels served in the Imperial Camel Corps in the Middle East during World War I. Australian post pays tribute to the camel corps that was extremely helpful to deal with a revolt in Egypt’s Western Desert.

The most valuable companion that a soldier has ever found is a dog. Dogs have been used during wars to carry messages and medical equipment as well as to locate wounded soldiers or hidden explosives.

These animals truly lived to serve their nation!