HISTORY PRESENTATION II

una presentazione a cura di bortolini niccolò, umberto cravero, alberto sbardolini, giuseppe di molfetta.

The role of animals in the world war one

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sergeant stubby

the role of the dogs

role of the animals

index

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Food

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Packs animals

Rats and other pests

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Mascots

Medical Support

Combat

Communication

Transport

The animals in the world war one had different role but we can devid in 9 principal groups

Role of the animals

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Mascots and Companions

Medical Assistance

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Casualty Detection

Scouts and Patrols

Sentry Duty

Messenger Dogs

Dogs in the world war one had a very important role, but we can devid them in 6 different groups

Role of Dogs in World War I

Stubby, a stray dog, became the most decorated war dog of World War I. Adopted by soldier J. Robert Conroy, he served in France as the mascot of the 102nd Infantry Regiment, 26th "Yankee" Division. Despite regulations, Stubby's intelligence and bravery led him to serve as sentry, messenger, and hero on the battlefield.

sergeant stubby

THANK YOU!

Medical Assistance

Dogs also provided medical assistance by carrying medical supplies or aiding medical personnel in the evacuation of wounded soldiers from the battlefield. They were trained to provide comfort and support to injured soldiers, helping to alleviate distress and boost morale during times of crisis.

Scouts and Patrols

Dogs were trained to accompany patrols and reconnaissance missions, where their keen senses could detect hidden enemies, tripwires, or ambushes. Their ability to move silently and their heightened awareness of their surroundings made them invaluable companions for soldiers operating in enemy territory.

Medical Support

Dogs and horses were utilized for medical purposes, assisting in the evacuation of wounded soldiers from the battlefield. Dogs were also trained to locate wounded soldiers in the field, providing aid until medical personnel could reach them.

Mascots

Various animals, including dogs, cats, and even exotic animals like monkeys and bears, served as mascots for military units, providing companionship and morale support to soldiers.

Communication

Homing pigeons were used extensively for communication, especially in areas where telephone lines were unreliable or damaged. Pigeons were trained to carry messages back to their home bases, providing crucial communication links.

Casualty Detection

Dogs were trained to locate wounded or missing soldiers on the battlefield. Their acute sense of smell allowed them to detect the scent of blood or human perspiration, enabling them to find injured soldiers who might otherwise have been overlooked, thereby potentially saving lives.

Mascots and Companions

Beyond their specific roles in warfare, dogs served as mascots and companions for soldiers, providing much-needed companionship, comfort, and morale support in the harsh and stressful conditions of trench warfare. Their presence offered a sense of normalcy and emotional connection amidst the chaos of war.

Combat

Dogs were employed for various tasks, including carrying messages, detecting mines, and providing companionship and morale support to soldiers. Some breeds, such as German Shepherds, were also used as sentries and for patrol duties.

Packs animals

Besides horses and mules, camels were used in desert warfare in regions like the Middle East and North Africa, helping transport supplies across arid landscapes.

Rats and other pests

While not intentionally used, rats and other pests were ubiquitous in the trenches, posing significant health hazards to soldiers. Cats were often kept to help control rodent populations in the trenches and camps.

Messenger Dogs

Dogs were extensively used as messenger carriers, particularly in situations where traditional means of communication, such as telephones and radios, were unreliable or unavailable. Trained messenger dogs carried important messages between units, often through dangerous and difficult terrains, helping maintain communication links on the battlefield.

Sentry Duty

Dogs were employed for sentry duty, especially at night, to alert soldiers to the presence of approaching enemies. Their acute senses, particularly their hearing and sense of smell, made them valuable for detecting intruders and potential threats, enhancing the security of military installations and camps.

Transportation

Horses were the primary mode of transportation before the widespread use of motor vehicles. They were used to pull artillery, supplies, and ambulances. In some cases, mules and donkeys were also used for transport in difficult terrains.