World War II: Animals of War

by Dr. Chris

July 20, 2010 The National World War II Museum in New Orleans Louisiana is going to open an exhibit this Thursday that features tributes to horses and dogs and other animals that have been used in the war.

The exhibit is called "Loyal Forces: The Animals of World War II." The Coast Guard Shore Patrol which used 3000 horses is the first exhibit. The Coast Guard's shore patrol was set up after German saboteurs landed on American beaches twice. The US Coast Guard used more horses than any other branch of the military during World War II.

German horses are also present in in the exhibit and represent the European theater. Germany's First Calvary division chased the Soviet army through the northern marshes of the Soviet Union.

Pigeons in the exhibit represent their use in the North Africa and Mediterranean fronts in the war.

Mules were used in China, Burma, and India as part of the Army's Mule Task Force.

Probably one of most interesting stories is about Smokey the Yorkshire terrier who pulled a telegraph wire through a 70 foot long pipe that was only 8 inches wide. He was used on the Pacific front.

Loyal Forces: The Animals of World War II will run July 22 through October 17.

Official Website: National WWII Museum.

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