Building Background KNowledgeIn the deadly chaos of the First World War, one horse witnesses the reality of battle from both sides of the trenches. Bombarded by artillery, with bullets knocking riders from his back, Joey tells a powerful story of the truest friendships surviving in terrible times. One horse has seen the best and the worst of humanity. The power of war and the beauty of peace. This is his story.
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What were horses used for in World War 1?
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During World War 1, horses played an important role in transporting supplies, weapons, and soldiers. They were used to pull carts filled with food, water, medical supplies, and ammunition to the front lines, where soldiers were fighting. Trucks and other vehicles existed, but many roads were too muddy or damaged for them to work properly, so horses were often the best way to move heavy loads. They also pulled large artillery guns into position. Life for these horses was tough—they had to work in dangerous conditions, sometimes near explosions and gunfire. Soldiers cared for them as best they could, providing food and medical treatment, but many horses did not survive the war. Their hard work helped keep armies supplied and ready to fight.
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Horses were also used in World War 1 to carry soldiers into battle, especially at the beginning of the war. Cavalry units, made up of soldiers on horseback, were once a key part of warfare because horses allowed them to move quickly across the battlefield. However, as the war continued, new weapons like machine guns made it too dangerous for horses and riders to charge directly at the enemy. Instead, horses were mainly used to help soldiers travel long distances, deliver important messages, and patrol areas. In some places, such as the Middle East, cavalry units were still effective, as the open desert made it easier for horses to move. Even though horses were less useful in direct combat, they remained an important part of the war effort by helping soldiers get where they needed to be.
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Horses were essential for pulling heavy artillery during World War 1. Large cannons and other big guns were too heavy for soldiers to move on their own, and trucks often got stuck in the muddy battlefields. Instead, teams of strong horses were used to pull these massive weapons into position. Once the artillery was set up, it could fire shells over long distances to attack enemy trenches. Moving these big guns was dangerous and difficult, as horses had to travel through rough terrain, sometimes under enemy fire. Soldiers worked hard to take care of the horses, giving them food, water, and medical attention when needed. Without horses to transport artillery, armies would have struggled to fire their most powerful weapons.
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During World War 1, horses were also used as ambulances, carrying injured soldiers away from the battlefield. Special carts called horse-drawn ambulances were designed to transport wounded soldiers to field hospitals where they could receive medical care. In the muddy, rough conditions of the war, motor vehicles often got stuck or broke down, but horses could keep moving, even in difficult terrain. They played a crucial role in saving lives by quickly getting injured soldiers away from danger. Despite the chaos of battle, the soldiers who cared for these horses made sure they were well-fed and treated for injuries. These brave animals helped bring thousands of wounded soldiers to safety.
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Sandy
During the First World War, 136,000 Australian horses, known as “walers," (way-lers) were sent overseas to help soldiers. Out of all these horses, only one made it back home to Australia. His name was Sandy.
Sandy belonged to Major General Sir William Bridges, a high-ranking officer who was wounded in battle at Gallipoli and later died at sea.
From August 1915, Sandy was cared for by Captain Leslie Whitfield, a veterinarian in the Australian Army. He stayed in Egypt until March 1916, when he was sent to France.
In October 1917, the Minister for Defence, Senator George Pearce, ordered that Sandy be brought back to Australia to live at Duntroon. In May 1918, Sandy was moved from a hospital in France to a special horse camp in England. A soldier named Private Archibald Jordon, who was no longer fit for battle, looked after him.
After three months of medical checks, Sandy was declared healthy. In September 1918, he sailed from Liverpool, England, to Melbourne, Australia, arriving in November. He was sent to the Central Remount Depot at Maribyrnong, where he spent the rest of his life.
Sandy belonged to Major General Sir William Bridges, a high-ranking officer who was wounded in battle at Gallipoli and later died at sea.
From August 1915, Sandy was cared for by Captain Leslie Whitfield, a veterinarian in the Australian Army. He stayed in Egypt until March 1916, when he was sent to France.
In October 1917, the Minister for Defence, Senator George Pearce, ordered that Sandy be brought back to Australia to live at Duntroon. In May 1918, Sandy was moved from a hospital in France to a special horse camp in England. A soldier named Private Archibald Jordon, who was no longer fit for battle, looked after him.
After three months of medical checks, Sandy was declared healthy. In September 1918, he sailed from Liverpool, England, to Melbourne, Australia, arriving in November. He was sent to the Central Remount Depot at Maribyrnong, where he spent the rest of his life.
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This plaque is to honour the memory of Sandy, who was one of 169,000 horses to embark for service during the First World War (1914 - 1918). Sandy was the only horse returned to Australia at the end of the war.
On his return Sandy was put out to pasture at the Maribyrnong Depot where he lived the rest of his life. |
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