When World War One began in August 1914, armies on both sides still relied heavily on horses for transport. The War required hundreds of thousands of horses, mules, and donkeys to carry troops, pull artillery, and haul supplies to and from the front. Horses could travel through mud and over terrain where the newly developed mechanised vehicles could not go.

Horse transport and mounted troops were only effective as their animals. Strategic and tactical considerations were easily compromised without an adequate and reliable supply of fit animals at the right time and place.

Armies, therefore, recognised that the supply and care of animals was one of the crucial elements required for success in war. In addition, caring for animals wounded or injured on active service became essential.

Animals who were wounded or who became ill during the war became the responsibility of the various army veterinarian services. Major General Sir John Moore, a British general, summarised the core principle of the army veterinary services:

To get down from the front as many animals front as possible to save; in other words, to give every animal a chance.

Sir John Moore Army Veterinary Service in War (London 1921)

In supporting this principle, the various armies had some form of veterinary services service to care for their animals. As the war progressed, more and more veterinarians were required to care for sick and injured animals.

In achieving the Moore’s core principle, veterinary officers were to die from enemy fire, disease, accidents, and the impact of the war on their bodies and minds.

This website remembers those Commonwealth veterinarians who gave their lives to help achieve Moore’s key principle.