Pozières is a small village in northern France, but its name carries immense weight in Australian military history. During World War I, the battles fought at Pozières in 1916 resulted in devastating losses for Australian forces. Amid this human tragedy, animals played vital and often overlooked roles, carrying supplies, hauling artillery, delivering messages, and offering steadfast service under fire.
It is here, on ground deeply connected to Australia’s wartime story, that the Australian War Animals Memorial Organisation (AWAMO) established its first overseas memorial.
The Pozières battlefield represents one of the costliest periods for Australian troops during the First World War. Horses, mules, donkeys, dogs, and pigeons worked alongside soldiers in conditions of relentless shelling, mud, and chaos. Many were wounded or killed while performing essential duties that saved lives and sustained operations.
Placing an AWAMO memorial at Pozières ensures that the contribution and sacrifice of these animals is acknowledged on the very soil where they served.
The Pozières memorial marks a significant milestone for AWAMO. It is a statement that remembrance does not stop at Australia’s shores. War animals served wherever Australians served, and their legacy deserves international recognition.
This memorial stands as:
International memorials rely on ongoing care. At Pozières, local support and volunteers play an important role in maintaining the site, ensuring it remains a respectful and dignified place of remembrance for generations to come.
AWAMO works with local communities to preserve the memorial and share the stories it represents.
Animals at Pozières had no say in the war that surrounded them, yet they served with unwavering loyalty. This memorial ensures their sacrifice is not lost to time or distance.
AWAMO’s first overseas memorial at Pozières reflects a commitment to inclusive remembrance. It honours the past while reinforcing the responsibility to remember all who served, human and animal alike.
Lest we forget.
Neither the human, nor the animal.
