The act of caring for these lost animals would give the soldiers comfort, and many found the presence of a furry mascot at the end of a hard day to provide some entertainment and stress relief. While stationed abroad, they would often adopt cats or kittens that had been abandoned. ĭuring times of war, soldiers experienced grueling stress under the most perilous of conditions. Comfort in uncertain times Honorable Kodiak Kat, the 73rd Bombardment Wing mascot. Tiddles, a large black cat, traveled more than 30,000 miles with the British Royal Navy during World War II. With their excellent eyesight, cats were also rumoured to spot even the faintest of lights on the darkest and stormiest nights. On the ocean, some superstitious sailors even believed that cats would bring them protection at sea. By controlling the rat and mouse populations, cats were also able to curtail the spread of disease by rodents. Not only did they protect the limited rations of food, but they were also able to squeeze into tight spaces and prevent rodents from gnawing at important communications wiring and chewing through ropes and planks on ships. Cats found a niche job in military barracks and aboard ships. Aboard naval shipsĪs unofficial allies, cats were able to go places that people, or larger animals, could not. Cats and other animal mascots were often given military code names, an act which often brought moments of laughter among soldiers as they shared silly names from a beloved childhood pet or memory. Various animals such as “Mike” the Saint Bernard, or “Batisse” the goat gave soldiers comfort and affection. In the military, animal mascots were used to provide friendship and a happy distraction to Canadian soldiers. Those with cats will likely not be surprised to learn it was a cat named “Simon” who won a Dickin Medal, the highest honor for Animal Military Gallantry in Britain! Playful mascots While dogs and horses are often portrayed as wartime workers and companions, cats also played important roles in a variety of ways. On Remembrance Day, we remember and honour those who have served, including the animals who have bravely given so much in times of conflict and peace.
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