Samford honours the loyalty of man’s best friend

Opened on 11 March, the War Animal Memorial complements existing memorials along the avenue, according to RSL Queensland Brisbane North District Deputy President Mark Orreal.  

“We first considered creating a War Animal Memorial because in recent times a lot of local veterans have worked with explosive detection dogs (EDDs). This addition also complements the 20 existing hoop pines, which represent each of the fallen from Samford as well as the essence of the Avenue of Honour,” he says.

FIRST WAR ANIMAL DAY IN 2019

The first War Animal Memorial Day or Purple Poppy Day was held in 2019 and is commemorated on February 24 each year.

Purple Poppy Day recognises the contributions of all animals who have given their lives and loyalty serving alongside humans during war and peacetime. 

During World War One, large cavalry forces were used widely, including horse and camel-mounted troops in desert campaigns. Horses, donkeys, mules, and camels carried food, water, ammunition, and medical supplies to men at the front, and dogs and pigeons also carried messages. Canaries were used to detect poisonous gas, and cats and dogs were trained to hunt rats in the trenches.  

RSL Queensland State President Major General Stephen Day DSC, AM attended the event, together with representatives from Moreton Bay Regional Council.

“We dedicated it to the five war animals – the camel, the explosive detection dog, the pigeon, the horse and the donkey or mule,” Mark says. 

A SPECIAL BOND

Mark served 21 years in the military as an engineer and specialised as an explosive ordnance detection technician (EOD tech). He worked closely with EDDs in Pakistan. 

“There is a particular bond between humans and an animal, and when you are in an operational environment that bond becomes even closer,” he says. 

“The dogs we worked with, for example, saved many lives.” 

The memorial is marked with a plaque that is dedicated to the 16 million plus animals that have served in recent and past wars. 

Mark says it was a truly special day. 

“These animals are incredibly loyal and devoted. They’re as hardworking as our service men and women.” 

Samford’s Avenue of Honour, a 700m walkway, was opened in 2015 with 20 advanced hoop pines planted to honour the 20 local servicemen who lost their lives in both World Wars and Korea.

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