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British War Dog School, Shoeburyness, 1917
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British War Dog School, Shoeburyness, 1917
Dogs and their keepers line up at the British War Dog School which was based at Shoeburyness on the Essex coast in 1917. The school was run by Colonel Edwin Richardson and trained dogs to act as sentries, guards, ambulance, but specifically messenger dogs during the First World War. Date: 1917
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Media ID 14186423
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Colonel Essex Major Messenger Messengers Richardson Shoeburyness Trainers
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures a moment in time at the British War Dog School based at Shoeburyness, Essex, during the First World War in 1917. The image shows a line of dogs and their keepers, all poised and ready for duty. The school, run by Colonel Edwin Richardson, was a crucial part of the war effort, training dogs to act as sentries, guards, ambulance dogs, and most notably, messenger dogs. The importance of these canine soldiers cannot be overstated. Messenger dogs were used to carry messages between the front lines, often in dangerous conditions where human messengers could not go. They were able to navigate through no man's land, avoiding enemy fire, and deliver vital information to their handlers. Their small size and agility made them ideal for this role, and their keen sense of smell and hearing helped them to detect the presence of the enemy. The training regimen at the British War Dog School was rigorous and demanding. Dogs were selected for their intelligence, obedience, and physical fitness. They were taught various commands, how to wear packs, and how to navigate through difficult terrain. The handlers, who were often soldiers themselves, were responsible for caring for their dogs and building a strong bond with them. This photograph is a poignant reminder of the crucial role that animals played in the First World War. The dogs and their handlers at the British War Dog School at Shoeburyness made a significant contribution to the war effort, and their bravery and dedication deserve to be remembered.
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