‘The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.’ – Mahatma Gandhi Animals have the power to change people’s lives. They can be loving, loyal companions that will never judge. In World War I, many Australian and New Zealand units – army, naval and air squadrons – had animal mascots. This thoroughly researched book containing a treasure trove of archival photographs shows that all types of animals served as mascots – a virtual Noah`s Ark of animals ranging from dogs and cats, rats and insects to bears and primates, birds and donkeys. Anzac Mascots explores animal mascots, both official and unofficial, that served in World War I, and aims to illustrate their purpose, how they were selected, what happened to them after the war and, finally, the far-reaching effects their prolific use had after the war. This book reveals that people alone did not win World War I; animals played a vital part. Animals, through their unwavering devotion and boundless affection, kept soldiers’ spirits high, provided a temporary link to normality and peace, and reminded what they were fighting for – home and country.

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.

Experts in the field of human–animal studies investigate the ways in which humans and other animals interact. While offering different interpretations of the human–non-human interactions, they share a common goal in attempting to find pathways leading to a mutually beneficial and shared co-existence.

Animals and War is the first collection of essays to study its topic. Using sociology, history, anthropology, and cultural studies, it analyzes a wide range of phenomena and exposes the often paradoxical contours of human-animal relationships.

Brought to life by illustrations, historical photographs, and memorabilia, this cloth-bound book is made to look like a notebook from the periodIn 1914, Jim and Charlie abandon the Australian outback for the excitement of the war to end all wars. But, they quickly discover the brutal realities of life on the frontline, and nothing will ever be the same again. A beautifully illustrated historical picture book about the fate of horses during World War I, this adventure goes behind the scenes with the great Australian and New Zealand Army Corps legends for an intimate look at their experience.

For 100 years, the astounding story of Anzac horsemen, cameleers, aviators, rough riders, medics, vets, light and armoured cars hasn’t been told. Until now. Championed by Australia’s Lieutenant General Sir Harry Chauvel they overcame early feeble British political and military incompetence. Fast, open conflict, rather than septic trenches, suited their outback upbringing. Part of the Egyptian Expeditionary Force, they recovered the Holy Land after 730 years of Muslim control, even saving Lawrence of Arabia and his cause. Their stunning victory at the Battle of Beersheba was the last mass mounted charge of modern times. The ‘great ride’ offensive of the Desert Mounted Corps, with 30,000 horsemen, destroyed the Ottoman Empire and wreaked vengeance for Gallipoli. This is the first detailed account of the extraordinary military campaign that set the stage for today’s Middle East. Dearberg’s Anzac trilogy on World War I is now complete – Gallipoli, France, Palestine.

Based on the true story of one of the longest-living and quietest World War I survivors, The Tale of the Anzac Tortoise is an epic tale of soldiers, nurses, sacrifice and kindness, when siblings Matthew and Marama find themselves transported back in time to the shores of Gallipoli through an encounter with a tortoise. The original tortoise who inspired the story was plucked by a wounded soldier from the battlefield and then gifted to a nurse, who brought him home to New Zealand. That nurse was the great-great-aunt of author Shona Riddell, and the tortoise remained in their family for the next 80 years!