Dogs, donkeys, horses, and pigeons - animals in Australian military

“Of animals in war” at The Australian War Memorial, a one-day family event, commemorated the role of animals in support of the nation’s military and peacebuilding efforts. It also commemorated the loss of Sapper Darrren Smith, 2^nd Combat Engineer Regiment, and his Explosive Detection Dog Herbie, with a Last Post ceremony.

The day commenced with official speeches, an overview of the role of animals in Australia’s military history, tales from the School of Military Engineering about the Explosive Detection Dogs (EDD) in Afghanistan, a reading, a chaplain’s blessing, a performance by musician Tania Kernaghan, and a wreathlaying ceremony at the site of the statue of Simpson and his donkey (1915). The day continued with indoor and outdoor activities and demonstrations from the Australian Light Horse Association and the Canberra Racing Pigeon Combine. It also included a visit from Sarbi, the famous EDD dog, now retired.

The Australian Defence Force has a long history of military animals, including birds (pigeons and cockatoos), rabbits, camels, cats, dogs, horses, donkeys, monkeys, and even chickens. There was no mention of marine mammals (dolphins, seals and whales) which are used by countries such as Russia and America, so I’m not sure of their use in the Australian military. However, I do know of Makai who was an American-trained dolphin. Makai and the United States Navy Marine Mammal Program worked with the Australian Navy divers in Iraq. In recent years, the EDD teams have served in Somalia, Bougainville, East Timor, the Solomon Islands, Iraq, and Afghanistan.

Animals have been used for tracking, detecting, ratting, patrolling, sniffing, carrying, transporting, messaging, and rehabilitating, as well as for mascots and companions. The best technology for sniffing explosives is still the dog – they have been estimated to be 98% accurate, making them more reliable that metal detectors and mine sweepers.

http://www.awm.gov.au

MARTINA NICOLLS is an international aid and development consultant, and the author of:- The Shortness of Life: A Mongolian Lament (2015), Liberia’s Deadest Ends (2012), Bardot’s Comet (2011), Kashmir on a Knife-Edge (2010) and The Sudan Curse (2009).

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