11/11/2025
Honouring our four-legged heroes this Remembrance Day
11th November
This Remembrance Day we honour not only our brave soldiers, but also the loyal dogs who served alongside them. From the trenches of WW1 to modern detection and rescue roles, our four-legged companions have played a vital part.
Interesting facts...
Some military dogs carry the same status as their human colleagues: in the RAF for example, dogs have service numbers and draw rations. l
The symbol of the “purple poppy” is used in the UK to remember animals, including the dogs, that served in wartime.
One dog, named Treo, a Labrador/Springer Spaniel cross, detected multiple improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in Afghanistan and was awarded the animal-equivalent of the Victoria Cross: the Dickin Medal.
Many of the breeds used in military or working roles are shepherd types (German, Belgian), Labradors or Spaniels, chosen for their intelligence, drive and adaptability.
In WWI, dogs carried messages between units under fire and helped locate wounded men.
By WWII the scale had grown: the Army and Ministry employed thousands of dogs for guard, patrol and detection duties.
In the modern era, training at centres such as the Defence Animal Centre ensures these animals can detect explosives, weapons, drugs or serve in security operations.
