Even The Smallest Had Their Role

Cats were the perfect companions not only in the trenches of WWI, but onboard ship as well. While dogs and horses are often portrayed as wartime workers and companions, cats also played vital roles. It was a cat named “Simon” who won a Dickin Medal, the highest honor for Animal Military Gallantry in Britain.

In the military, animal mascots were used to provide friendship and a happy distraction to Canadian soldiers. Various animals such as “Mike” the Saint Bernard, or “Batisse” the goat gave soldiers comfort and affection. Animal mascots were often given military code names which often brought...