Author(s): Maria Gill

NZ Non-fiction

Who knew our soldiers had such a variety of animal companions in the two world wars? Apart from the ‘beasts of burden’ that one might expect, such as horses, mules, donkeys and camels, many battalions had mascots as well: kangaroos, monkeys, dogs, chickens, tortoises, cats ... all of whom provided comfort, companionship and a welcome distraction from the war.