Page 28 - Chiron Autumn 2017

26 CHIRON CALLING
shortages of animals, particularly on the Western Front meant that if a soldier failed to return with his horse he had to bring back its head as proof that he had not just lost it. Some accounts also partially attribute Germany’s defeat in WW1 to its lack of mules and horses; due to the Allied Stockade, they were unable to obtain replacement animals.
In order to continue to deliver this service, mules and horses had to be looked after. Morale was good in units with mules, and soldiers on the whole respected their animals. They would refuse to allow them to carry out any task they wouldn’t undertake themselves.
Even in today’s doctrine, health and welfare is paramount to pack animal operations. They will operate inde nitely provided they are fed and watered correctly. Basic grooming and farriery methods must be employed by handlers in carrying out general maintenance. Without it they fall prey to heat stress, lameness and minor injuries which when left untreated can lead to more serious illness.
However veterinary surgery and other more aggressive interventions were required for gunshots, shrapnel, mustard and chlorine gas attack, caltrop and other injuries of the foot. Death Non-Battle Injury (DNBI) casualties were accountable in the main to colic and laminitis or drownings in pools of mud. This veterinary care was delivered by veterinary surgeons and
nurses of the Army Veterinary Corps (AVC). Formed in 1796 by public demand and outrage at numbers of army horses lost to ignorance and poor farriery rather than enemy action, and at a time when the veterinary profession was in its infancy, the AVC played a vital role during the WW1. Each infantry division had a mobile veterinary section each equipped with a horse ambulance paid and provided for
by RSPCA funding.
Eight million horses and mules died
during WW1. Two and half million were treated in veterinary hospitals. Of those treated, 2 million returned to duty. Records show that 71,314 horses and mules were admitted to veterinary hospitals doing the Salonica campaign. Of these, 56,448 return to duty, an 80% cure rate.
In 1918 in recognition of this incredible service, the title “Royal” was pre xed to the AVC, forming the Royal Army Veterinary Corps (RAVC) of today.
So, what have we learned of pack animal transport during this campaign and WW1 in general that can be taken forward?
Firstly, careful selection of mules in terms of size, age, con rmation and temperament – no compromises should be made. Most mules are cheerful, intelligent animals that appreciate being handled properly. They are calm and easy to work around and should be sociable.
Secondly, training – mules can have a habit of kicking and being stubborn
with inexperienced handlers. There were several incidents where mules carrying vital stores have bolted after being spooked by artillery re. Selection and battle stimulation training is critical to ensuring this behaviour is eliminated and does not present a problem in contact.
Thirdly, and related to the lesson above, is ‘don’t carry all your eggs on one mule’! There is an incident where all the communications wire was being carried by a single mule, which then went on to bolt after an artillery barrage. This had mission changing effects and contributed to the failure of an entire offensive at Tumbitsa Farm.
Fourthly, Veterinary Care must be provided – mules will operate inde nitely provided they are fed and watered and properly cared for.
And nally, bringing me back to the question I posed at the beginning “Are mules an appropriate solution for today’s army?” We must surely recognise the future utility of mules. Doctrine of pack animals still exists and they have been utilised in stealthily transporting heavy materials for special forces in Afghanistan and other challenging terrain. Indeed, the Defence Animal Training Regiment (DATR) has only recently been tasked to investigate the formal reinvigoration of a pack animal procurement and training program. This use of reserve liability could represent the start of delivering a future capability for the RAVC to support.
Horses being unloaded at the Port of Salonika in November 1915.