War Horse

Older boy and I enjoyed an afternoon cinema matinee to watch Steven Spielburg's War Horse.  Based on the book of the same name by Michael Morpurgo we both gave it a big thumbs up. Older boy was interested because he has just enjoyed reading  Morpurgo's Friend or foe at school and This morning I met a whale on audio book. 

Gorgeous cinematography and with a sweeping soundtrack by John Williams. I would totally recommend it for family viewing - but take tissues. Only the coldest hearted will come away unmoved.

The contribution of animals in the Great War (and modern warfare) makes for an endlessly fascinating topic.

12 horse team pulling heavy artillery

British despatch dog

Man and horse in gas masks

Canaries used for detecting poison gas

Canaries used for soothing injured soldiers

Carrier pigeon released by aircraft

Dogs pulling machine guns close to Termonde

German despatch dog carrying messages to the rear while under heavy fire

German medics treating injured soldier found by Red Cross dogs

British trench dog

Work by Alfred Munnings "Charge of Flowerdew's Squadron". Background:  Nearly three-quarters of the Canadian cavalry involved in this attack against German machine-gun positions at Moreuil Wood on 30 March 1918 were killed or wounded. This included Lieutenant G.M. Flowerdew, Lord Strathcona's Horse, who was awarded the Victoria Cross for leading the charge. 

Originally published in 1934 - and a true story. It is about  Winston Churchill's good friend, Jack Seely and the thoroughbred horse he took to France in 1914. Miraculously he survived five years of bombs and bullets to lead a cavalry charge in 1918 before returning home where they rode on together until 1938.  

Animals in War Memorial, which is located at Brook Gate, Park Lane on the edge of London's Hyde Park. Designed by leading English sculptor, David Backhouse and unveiled by Princess Anne in 2004.

Another one for my reading list

Photo credits: Animals at War, Great War Primary Document Archive.