Remembering our Animals at War

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Horses Were as Essential as Rifles and Artillery

Trooper Norman McLeod-Bethune

During the First World War, horses were as essential to military life as rifles and artillery. One lesser-known chapter of this story involved thousands of horses shipped from Australia to support fighting and logistics operations in the Ottoman Empire—particularly in areas connected to the Turkish campaigns.

As the war expanded beyond Europe, both the Allies and the Central Powers struggled with a constant shortage of transport. Steam power and motor vehicles were still limited, while armies needed reliable animals to haul ammunition, supplies, food, and medical equipment over rough roads and muddy fields. Horses could move where wagons and early vehicles failed, and they could be kept in the field as long as forage and water were available.

Australian shipments contributed to this need. While the distances were daunting, planners arranged transport ships that carried horses across the Indian Ocean and toward the Eastern Mediterranean. The journey was stressful for animals and handlers alike. Horses had to endure overcrowding, unfamiliar conditions, and the risks of disease and injury that were common during long sea voyages. On arrival, they were sorted, trained for military duties, and assigned to units responsible for hauling loads, drawing gun platforms, and supporting patrol and supply routes.

Once in action near Turkey, these horses faced another set of challenges: extreme heat, dust, and uneven terrain. The constant strain of towing heavy equipment, combined with exposure to harsh weather, meant that the animals often wore out quickly. Many served far beyond what peacetime work would have demanded, and losses were a persistent reality of the war.

Remembering the horses shipped from Australia highlights how WW1 was truly global—not only in geography, but also in the shared dependence on animals that carried armies through some of the conflict’s most demanding landscapes.

Today we wear a purple poppy badge to show recognition and appreciation of all animals who helped us in wars.

Photo credit: Whaler Database