Animals tamed by man have always been at his service. And not only in times of peace. How animals helped people during the war is known from the history of different peoples of the planet. And it's not just about the present. The first mention of the participation of animals in the fighting of various armies dates back to ancient times.
What determines the choice of animals
Historians have repeatedly found documents that tell how animals helped people during the war. In addition, it is known that various types of their representatives were used for military purposes. What guided the warring armies, choosing their allies from among the animals?
First of all, this was due to the level of development of civilization in general and the art of war and the level of armament of the army in particular. The choice also depended on the nature of the area where the battles took place. The goals that needed to be achieved during the rivalry are alsosuggested which animals would be best to use.
Horses, elephants, dogs, different types of birds, and even snakes could perform both auxiliary and combat functions.
Horses and war
The most peaceful and noble animal on Earth is a horse. However, it was her man who used the war more often than other representatives of the fauna. The chariots of the warriors of the most ancient states were harnessed by horses. The devastating raids of nomads, lasting more than one century, were also carried out on horseback.
Regiments of hussars and lancers during the Patriotic War of 1812, North American Indians, cavalrymen of both world wars - all were closely associated with horses. The list of military events where these animals played a big role could be continued further.
Horses were used during attacks as a draft force during respite, in reconnaissance. These animals worked with signalers, laying communications. The victorious army, led by military commanders, solemnly entered the defeated cities on horseback.
The mentioned historical events once again remind how animals helped people during the war. And this means that all the hardships associated with harsh times had to be endured not only by people, but also by their four-legged helpers.
Animals - participants in wars
In tropical countries, as a rule, elephants participated in battles next to people. They fearlessly moved forward, terrifying the enemy. Their enormous strength was used to move heavy structures and machines. Butagainst this formidable force, a simple weapon was soon found - this is fire. He made the elephants run in panic. During such a flight, not only the enemy, but also his own army suffered.
In Asian countries, not horses were used for military purposes, but mules and camels. These animals are more hardy, better adapted to the conditions of semi-deserts and deserts.
Studying the question of how animals helped people during the war, one cannot fail to mention birds. First of all, these are carrier pigeons. Many armies in the world have used birds to send messages. However, during the Second World War, peregrine falcons, which are predators, began to be released against pigeons. The British were the first to use such tactics.
Dogs at war
Dogs deserve a special mention regarding the participation of animals in the war. They can rightly be called military personnel. Dogs began their difficult career in ancient times. They served as guard animals.
After a certain time, people began to use them in search and then in courier work. In the 20th century, dogs rose to the ranks of sappers, demolition workers, orderlies, scouts, and border guards.
Animals participating in the Great Patriotic War
The memory of the events of seventy years ago is still alive in the hearts of people. The modern generation understands what strength and courage the soldiers of different countries had to show in the fight against a serious enemy, which was fascist Germany.
At the same time, do not underestimate the role of animals during the GreatPatriotic war. And again we will talk about horses, dogs, pigeons. There are known facts that trained dolphins were used in the service of military sailors. They acted as demolition men, scouts, detecting submarine saboteurs.
According to official documents, there were about 1.9 million horses in the ranks of the Soviet army. They were used in all branches of the military. A team of several animals could move the gun, changing firing positions. Field kitchens moved with the help of horses, they also delivered carts with food. Horse transport was used in military hospitals, so many wounded soldiers believed that they owed their lives to horses.
The following fact speaks about the gratitude of people to animals: the soldiers took the wounded horses from the battlefield and nursed them to full recovery. However, we must not forget that animals died in the war, like people. According to some reports, about a million horses died during the last war.
Dogs-heroes of the Great Patriotic War
Knowing the full burden of service that dogs had to bear in the period from 1941 to 1945, without hesitation, they can be put on a par with people who gained victory in this war.
The stories told by eyewitnesses are striking with unusual facts that speak of the dog's boundless devotion to man. According to official sources, about 700,000 wounded soldiers were carried out from under the line of fire by ambulance dogs.
It's common knowledgethat four-legged assistants delivered shells and ammunition to the most dangerous places where it was unthinkable to get to a person or equipment. Sometimes at the time of the battle, a message received from the command on time could save tens and hundreds of human lives. About 120,000 such reports were delivered by dogs.
After fierce battles, many wounded soldiers remained in their places of conduct. Dogs helped doctors find living soldiers in need of help, thus saving their lives.
With the help of fighter dogs, about 300 enemy tanks were destroyed during the war years. The sad thing is that the life of all these animals ended the same way - they had to stop the enemy machine, but at the same time die under its caterpillars.
After the turning point in the course of the war, the liberation march of our army began on the territory of the USSR and European countries. It was necessary to secure the people returning to peaceful life. And here again the dogs rendered an invaluable service. They participated in the demining of more than 300 settlements. Dogs in the war found over four million mines. They saved 18,394 buildings from destruction, many of which had historical value. The assertion that dogs are heroes of the Great Patriotic War has good grounds, which are confirmed by official data.
Armed Conflict Zones
As you know, the modern world is not distinguished by a calm environment. Tension arises with a certain constancy, now in one part of it, then in another. And again in the most dangerous places next to a personthere is a dog.
Cynological services train them to find hiding criminals, to pursue. With dogs, vehicle inspections, street patrols, and protection of objects of special importance are carried out.
Human Tribute
The exploits of animals during the war are not forgotten by people. There are numerous testimonies about this. For example, there is a monument to the dogs of the Great Patriotic War in many cities and countries that were not spared by these tragic events. The initiators of the creation of monuments are ordinary people, public organizations, and sometimes heads of state.
In Moscow on Poklonnaya Hill in 2013, a bronze monument to a front-line dog was erected. In Ukraine, in 2003, a memorial complex was opened in honor of the heroes-border guards and service dogs. A monument has been erected in Novosibirsk in honor of all service dogs that participated in hostilities and were injured or killed there.
It is not uncommon for dogs to receive awards for performing especially dangerous tasks.
It's safe to say that every person keeps in his soul an extraordinary story, an amazing story about animals during the war. And this is also a tribute to the memory of four-legged friends.
