Purple Poppies
Purple poppies have become more popular but what do they symbolise?
Purple poppies are worn on remembrance Sunday to honour animals who have been the victims of war. This includes the many horses, dogs and pigeons killed in service as far back as World War one . The Purple Poppy Appeal is not affiliated to the Royal British Legions poppy campaign, but it uses the Poppy trademark under license from them.
The British, Commonwealth and Allied forces enlist many millions of animals to serve and often die alongside their armies. Many of these animals did not survive. Animals natural abilities and instincts made them ideal for certain activities. Others suffered from wounds, starvation, thirst, exhaustion, disease and exposure. The War Horse Memorial organise the Purple Poppy Appeal. This then donates the money raised to various animal charities .
The Animals In War Memorial is in London’s Hyde Park. It is a powerful and moving tribute to all the animals that served, suffered and died in war.
Horses, Mules and Donkeys
Eight million horses along with countless mules and donkeys died in the First World War. Horses transported supplies to the front line. Often they did this in terrible weather and appalling conditions. There are many inspiring and often tragic stories of the great devotion and loyalty shown between horses, mules and donkeys and their masters during some of the bloodiest conflicts of the 20th century.
Dogs
Intelligence and devotion were the main qualities valued in dogs used in conflicts. These faithful animals ran messages, laid telegraph wires, detected mines, dug out bomb victims and acted as guard or patrol dogs. Despite their wounds and the terrifying circumstances these dogs battled on. They showed indomitable courage and supreme loyalty to their handlers.
Pigeons
More than 100,000 pigeons served Britain in the First World War and 200,000 in World War II. They saved thousands of lives by carrying vital messages when other methods of communication were impossible. Pigeons fly at the rate of a mile a minute and these birds would struggle on through all weathers, to carry their vital messages home.
Although horses, mules, donkeys, dogs and pigeons are the most common animals that have suffered in war, there are also many others. Elephants, camels, oxen, bullocks, cats, canaries, even glow worms have contributed. They have given their strength, energy and lives in times of war. The Animals In War Memorial is a fitting and lasting tribute to them all. Purple poppies symbolise the remembrance of the sacrifice of animals. The red poppy symbolises the remembrance of the vast human sacrifice of war. This is far more commonly recognised but both were essential to the efforts of warfare.
