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World War 1 War Animal Memorial, France

WW I Animal War Memorial
Pozieres, France

 

Being the Centenary of the “The Great War” it is a distinct honor to be the sculptor of this historic and First War Animals Monument for WWI on the Western Front.

Thank you to Nigel Allsopp and all at AWAMO (Australian War Animals Memorial Organisations) for the honor of creating the Bronze Horse Memorial “Emerging Spirits” for Australia and the Bronze Dog Memorial, “Faithful Partner” for all the other animals of war from all sides in WWI, located in Pozieres, France, in the Somme Valley. In the mane of the horse I sculpted spirit images of a Red Cross dog, mule, pigeon and donkey representing all animals who served. The dog’s tag reads, “Our Spirits Live On”. Sadly, 9 million war animals died on the Western Front in WWI. It is an important and stunning memorial site that AWAMO put together on such a sacred battlefield. Sadly, 23,000 Australian soldiers were lost in The Battle of the Somme. The ceremony was very moving and truly beyond my imagination. Now and for generations to come, the world will be better able to understand and honor the brave soldiers and animals who served and sacrificed so greatly.

As the artist of the two bronze animals memorials I have to say what an honor it was to be a part of this. This stunning view captures in a very special way what I and others felt on the very touching and beautiful unveiling on July 21, 2017. Here in it’s vast solitude the magnitude of the sacrifice of both human and animal is especially captured. What a very spiritually moving experience I and others felt on that sacred battlefield. Thank you for this and thank you Nigel and AWAMO for all you do so well with great reverence and elegance. I hope it helps brings further recognition that these brave soldiers and animals deserve.
Note the Red Cross dog and carrier pigeon with a message capsule on it’s leg. Dogs were a tremendous help on the battlefield as, among other things, carried aid to the wounded, carried messages, sniffed out enemy soldiers and were best buddies. Carrier pigeons saved countless lives by carrying critical messages at a time when there was no quick way to communicate between military posts. The enemy often tried to kill them because they were so valuable. Many were set out with the same message with the hope that one would make it through. — at Pozieres, France-Somme Valley.
The background screen of poppies were installed by an artist just for the day of the memorial and as the wind blew over the battlefield you could hear the swoosh as they spun in the wind, adding yet another magical dimension to what was already an unforgettably moving day.
Above right, note the donkey at top and mule at the bottom. Donkeys and mules were invaluable in carrying heavy loads for the military and often carrying the wounded soldiers. Many were lost in the deep mud and terrible conditions of the battlefields and trenches of WWI. The soldiers were very attached to their horses, mules donkeys and pigeons. Nigel Allsopp’s great uncle lost his life on this very battlefield trying to rescue and mule and donkey teams. — at Pozieres, France-Somme Valley.
The Mayor of Pozieres, Bernard Delattre (forefront) with Col. Neil Smith of the British Royal Army Veterinary Corps just after unveiling “Faithful Partner”-to All Nations’ Animals of War in WWI on the Western Front, other than Australia, which is represented by my Horse, “Emerging Spirits”. — at Pozieres, France-Somme Valley.
Members of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps (RAVC) with specialist detection dogs who traveled from Germany and the United Kingdom to help support the Australian War Animal Memorial at Pozieres. — at Pozieres, France-Somme Valley.

Susan Bahary with her sculpture Emerging Spirits. Pozieres, France

Millions of horses also made the ultimate sacrifice and where invaluable to the war effort as were donkeys and mules. In addition, they provided comfort to the soldiers on the battlefield as there was a great bond between them.

Beautiful prayers were said and blessings were made over each of the 4 monuments in all, by Australia: Principle Chaplain (Brigadier) (Rtd) Monsignor John Butler and New Zealand: The Venerable Denise Fergusen. The other 2 memorials not yet mentioned is the New Zealand Memorial : 2 plaques on a plinth and a stone monument to the Australian Army Veterinary Corps. 

From a sweet donkey’s point of view during the very touching ceremony. Several horses, countless pigeons and many German working dog handlers and their service dogs of many breeds were also in attendance. 

I kneeled next to this beautiful dog to take a picture with him and he gave me his paw! The animal/human bond is timeless and has no borders! 

Inscribed Bricks  of “Emerging Spirits” Australian War Animals Memorial from generous donors to the memorial.

Wendy Harrison: An amazing woman and Director and Treasurer of AWAMO along with her husband Hugh and noble horse.

Purple Poppy Pin - National Service Animals Monument

Purple Poppy®, bringing the official international symbol of service animals to the U.S. For more information please visit:
National Service Animals Monument


All the beautiful knitted purple poppies you see on this blanket were knitted by people throughout Australia to honor the soldiers and animals of WWI. Wendy along with some help sewed them all together on this blanket that was worn by a horse at the ceremony and will be kept in a special museum in Australia.

Bronze Shepherd Monument to animals who served on all sides during WWI. Note the Horse-drawn carriage of Carrier Pigeons in the background and the Pigeon Handler in the forefront with pigeon on his arm. Their release during the ceremony was breathtaking and poignant.

Before Nigel Allsopp spoke at the ceremony this is the letter” A”, that was unintentionally formed by three airplanes. Nigel was very moved by this. Many of us noticed it and first thought it was purposely being done as a V for Victory. Then a third plane crossed it making it an “A”.

Nigel felt it was perhaps a sign that we were all doing the right thing that day. For him the letter “A” stood Australia,  Animals and for his great uncle by the last name, Allsopp, who died on that very same battlefield a century ago trying to save a mule and donkey team.