Keeping Our Faithful Companions Safe During Extreme Weather

About the Animals

Throughout history, in war and in peacetime, animals and humans have worked side by side. As beasts of burden, messengers, protectors, mascots, and companions, these animals have demonstrated extraordinary valour and loyalty. Their service has often come at the highest cost, and their sacrifices deserve recognition and remembrance.

From the 400,000 horses that left Australia for the Boer War and World War I - of which only one, General Bridges’ horse Sandy, returned - to the 11 Military Working Dogs left behind during the Vietnam War, animals have played critical roles in conflicts across the globe.

More recently, military dogs serve in Afghanistan detecting explosives, while equines carry supplies in mountainous terrain. Within the Australian Defence Force (ADF), the use of animals is on the rise, particularly through Military Working Dogs, specialist explosive detection teams, and official regimental mascots.

Our Memorials and Key Achievements

AWAMO has established over 40 Australian and international memorials, including:

Australian War Animal Memorial, Pozieres, France

$250,000 bronze statues honouring animals from Australia and all nations.

WWII War Animal Memorial, Kokoda, PNG

Commemorates 5,000 mules, donkeys, and 20,000 messenger pigeons.

Veterinary Corps Memorials

Honouring those who saved tens of thousands of animals in conflict.

QPS Service Animal Memorial, QLD

Commemorates 150 years of horses and dogs in the Queensland Police Service.

Vietnam Tracker Dog Memorial, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Recognises 11 service dogs left behind.

Toowoomba War Horse Rose Garden, QLD

Features the “War Animal Rose” and won an international heritage award.

NATO War Animal Memorial, Fréthun, France

Honours animals serving in European and NATO forces.

Indigenous Light Horsemen Memorial, Logan, QLD

Australia’s first Indigenous Light Horse memorial.

The Animals in Service

Horses

The Australian Waler horse became internationally renowned for endurance and reliability, serving in the Boer War, World War I, and beyond. Around 160,000 Australian horses served in World War I alone, with many more sent to allied forces overseas. Horses were essential not only for cavalry units but also for transport and supply in theatres from the Middle East to the Pacific.

Military Working Dogs

Dogs have served as messengers, trackers, mine detectors, and companions. Their contribution spans from World War II to current operations in Afghanistan, where they detect explosives and save soldiers’ lives daily. The ADF continues to expand its use of working dogs across engineers, military police, and RAAF units.

Donkeys

Simpson’s Donkey has become an iconic symbol of wartime service, yet thousands of donkeys carried supplies, ammunition, and equipment in East Africa, France, and modern deployments, including Afghanistan.

Camels & Mules

Camels, through the Australian Camel Corps, and mules, often overlooked, were vital for transporting supplies across difficult terrain. Thousands of mules and donkeys served in the jungles of Asia, the Pacific Islands, and the Kokoda Track, often giving their lives for the ADF.

Pigeons

Australia’s carrier pigeons were indispensable during both World Wars. Their remarkable homing abilities saved countless lives and ensured critical communication in battle zones, with some awarded medals for gallantry.

Mascots

Official and unofficial military mascots have long been morale boosters. From regimental animals like Stan the Ram of 8/9 RAR to companion dogs in conflict zones, mascots maintain spirits and embody the human-animal bond.

Memorial Map & Gallery

War & Service Animal Day

AWAMO Animals