The Horse in War: Horses & Mules in the Allied Armies During the First World War, 1914-18

The last great war of the horse







The role of the 'war horse' particularly during its twilight years during the First World War has recently become the focus of much interest. All armies have used horses in wartime as cavalry and mounted infantry, as officers chargers, for artillery or for transport and supply. Some large nations, because the horse formed a central role in its domestic life, became more associated with horses and horsemanship in the period when mechanised transport was making its first halting appearance onto the field of conflict. Russia was famous for its Cossacks and among the countries of the British Empire and Commonwealth the accomplished riders of Australia, New Zealand and, especially noteworthy, Canada-the home of the author of this book. Naturally, the author is concerned with the activities of the Canadian Cavalry Brigade, but his book examines in detail the role of horses in every aspect of the Great War. He was not oblivious to the suffering of horses in war though, he clearly demonstrates a great affection for them in their military role. The book concludes with pictures and vignettes of individual horses of renown in the Canadian Army and a short piece on the service of dogs.



Leonaur editions are newly typeset and are not facsimiles; each title is available in softcover and hardback with dustjacket; our hardbacks are cloth bound and feature gold foil lettering on their spines and fabric head and tail bands.