O' Be Joyful
ohio hillbilly
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Mascots of the Late Unpleasantness.
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5fish
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Well I found this link of cats on German and British warships and we have pictures of the cats the Bismarck had a cat a few went down with their ship...
http://www.purr-n-fur.org.uk/featuring/war02.html
Cats do not have a natural or important place in mankind's wars in the same way as dogs, horses and some other animals do, since (as cat owners will know!) it is very difficult to get a cat to do what you want. There were stories that the Americans tried to use cats during the Vietnam war, but they were too easily distracted and either started playing or disappeared into the jungle. However, these tales are apocryphal. During the nineteenth century it is said that the Belgians tried using cats to deliver letters, but with a marked lack of success.
There is one function that cats have fulfilled since time immemorial, though, and that is as ship's cats, where they kept the vessel's stores free from rodents and also acted as mascots and companions to the crew. They were especially important in wartime, when supplies could be short, and men were far from home for extended periods and welcomed feline companionship. Sadly, since 1975 the British Royal Navy has banned cats, and indeed all animals, from its ships. It's a far cry from the days of Louis XIV's French Navy in the seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries, when it is reported that all French ships were ordered to carry two cats for rodent-control duties.
Many of these wartime tales are short and without photos, as they date from decades ago now; information is sparse and snippets have been gleaned from many sources
http://www.purr-n-fur.org.uk/featuring/war02.html
Cats do not have a natural or important place in mankind's wars in the same way as dogs, horses and some other animals do, since (as cat owners will know!) it is very difficult to get a cat to do what you want. There were stories that the Americans tried to use cats during the Vietnam war, but they were too easily distracted and either started playing or disappeared into the jungle. However, these tales are apocryphal. During the nineteenth century it is said that the Belgians tried using cats to deliver letters, but with a marked lack of success.
There is one function that cats have fulfilled since time immemorial, though, and that is as ship's cats, where they kept the vessel's stores free from rodents and also acted as mascots and companions to the crew. They were especially important in wartime, when supplies could be short, and men were far from home for extended periods and welcomed feline companionship. Sadly, since 1975 the British Royal Navy has banned cats, and indeed all animals, from its ships. It's a far cry from the days of Louis XIV's French Navy in the seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries, when it is reported that all French ships were ordered to carry two cats for rodent-control duties.
Many of these wartime tales are short and without photos, as they date from decades ago now; information is sparse and snippets have been gleaned from many sources
5fish
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Here a story about other seafaring mascots... .
www.atlasobscura.com
IT GETS HARD TO TELL when you go back that far, but humans—Homo erectus in this case—probably crafted the first seaworthy vessel some 800,000 years ago. Since then, our ability to build boats and take to the seas has been critical to many of the most important human processes, from migration and commerce to exploration and, of course, war. But we did not become a seafaring species alone. Alongside brave seafaring men—and women, when they were allowed on board—there were often equally courageous pets.
The Little-Known History of Seafaring Pets
From war to exploration to pleasure cruising, pets have often accompanied us on the oceans.
www.atlasobscura.com
IT GETS HARD TO TELL when you go back that far, but humans—Homo erectus in this case—probably crafted the first seaworthy vessel some 800,000 years ago. Since then, our ability to build boats and take to the seas has been critical to many of the most important human processes, from migration and commerce to exploration and, of course, war. But we did not become a seafaring species alone. Alongside brave seafaring men—and women, when they were allowed on board—there were often equally courageous pets.
5fish
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The British have a Wartime memorials to animals of war... Honoring them... so do the Australians
A striking memorial has been erected in London, England, to all the animals and other creatures that have been caught up in mankind's wars and have served, suffered and perished as a result. The idea for it came from author Jilly Cooper and some of her friends, a group of influential personalities in their own right, who in 1996 started the 'Animals in War' Memorial Fund with Anne, HRH The Princess Royal, as patron. Jilly herself donated to the fund all the royalties from her successful book Animals at War.
After a long and challenging nationwide fundraising operation to raise the £1 million or so needed, the Portland stone and cast-bronze memorial — designed by David Backhouse, one of Britain's leading sculptors — was unveiled on 24 November 2004, by Princess Anne, on its grassy site in central Park Lane, London. The fund will provide for its maintenance in perpetuity.
There's a cat to be seen among the animal silhouettes (included in the images below), and a mention on the memorial of the PDSA's Dickin Medal for valour.
...
Animals have played myriad vital roles in Australia's armed forces, from faithful companions to trusted guards and early-warning systems, and since 2009 Australia has had its own memorial to those animals. The statue, of a bronze horse's head mounted on a tear-shaped granite plinth, is placed in the Australian War Memorial's (AWM) sculpture garden in Canberra, the capital city.
Purr-n-Fur UK | Wartime | Memorials to Animals in War
Paying tribute to all animals caught up in wars - memorials at Park Lane, London and Canberra, Australia, and others in New Zealand and Stockport (UK).
www.purr-n-fur.org.uk
A striking memorial has been erected in London, England, to all the animals and other creatures that have been caught up in mankind's wars and have served, suffered and perished as a result. The idea for it came from author Jilly Cooper and some of her friends, a group of influential personalities in their own right, who in 1996 started the 'Animals in War' Memorial Fund with Anne, HRH The Princess Royal, as patron. Jilly herself donated to the fund all the royalties from her successful book Animals at War.
After a long and challenging nationwide fundraising operation to raise the £1 million or so needed, the Portland stone and cast-bronze memorial — designed by David Backhouse, one of Britain's leading sculptors — was unveiled on 24 November 2004, by Princess Anne, on its grassy site in central Park Lane, London. The fund will provide for its maintenance in perpetuity.
There's a cat to be seen among the animal silhouettes (included in the images below), and a mention on the memorial of the PDSA's Dickin Medal for valour.
...
Animals have played myriad vital roles in Australia's armed forces, from faithful companions to trusted guards and early-warning systems, and since 2009 Australia has had its own memorial to those animals. The statue, of a bronze horse's head mounted on a tear-shaped granite plinth, is placed in the Australian War Memorial's (AWM) sculpture garden in Canberra, the capital city.
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diane
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We can't forget Nellie, Lee's chicken! She was something of an unofficial mascot - the ANV didn't move until she was secured someplace. This hen took a liking to Gen Lee, using his tent freely and laying eggs under his cot. He usually left the flap up so she could get in. It was a good deal - she was safe and he got eggs for breakfast. Alas, one day she became the main course in a meal for guests. Lee had a new cook who didn't know about Nellie and, well, a chicken dinner was in order!
Lee was one for making a pet of anything from cats to rattlesnakes. Once he got a particularly difficult kitten while stationed in Texas...it turned out to be an ocelot!
Lee was one for making a pet of anything from cats to rattlesnakes. Once he got a particularly difficult kitten while stationed in Texas...it turned out to be an ocelot!
5fish
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If the myth is better than the truth then print the myth... or the legend... It about a ...
5fish
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The US Navy has Cats stories too... This cat was not allowed shore time... its a good story...
When the United States Navy gunboat Annapolis arrived in New York in September 1899, Commander Ingersol told his crew he would provide them as much shore leave as possible. One crew member, however, was not permitted to go on land. That was Tom the Terror, the official rat killer and feline mascot of the USS Annapolis.
Tom the Terror was reportedly a noted figure in the United States Navy. He came from a long line of naval cats, having been born on the Cob Deck at the Brooklyn Navy Yard in 1896.* All of his siblings and cousins had also honorably served in the United States Navy as rat killers and mascots.
1899: Tom the Terror, the Brooklyn-Born Ship Cat of the United States Navy - The Hatching Cat of Gotham
Tom the Terror was a popular cat in the United States Navy. Born at the Brooklyn Navy Yard in 1896, he came from a long line of naval cats.
hatchingcatnyc.com
When the United States Navy gunboat Annapolis arrived in New York in September 1899, Commander Ingersol told his crew he would provide them as much shore leave as possible. One crew member, however, was not permitted to go on land. That was Tom the Terror, the official rat killer and feline mascot of the USS Annapolis.
Tom the Terror was reportedly a noted figure in the United States Navy. He came from a long line of naval cats, having been born on the Cob Deck at the Brooklyn Navy Yard in 1896.* All of his siblings and cousins had also honorably served in the United States Navy as rat killers and mascots.
5fish
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Here a story about a dog who was a mascot for ships and POW camps...
en.wikipedia.org
Judy (1936 – 17 February 1950) was a ship's dog on board HMS Gnat and HMS Grasshopper stationed on the Yangtze before and during World War II. She proved able to hear incoming aircraft, providing the crew with an early warning. After part of the crew transferred from the Gnat to the Grasshopper in June 1939 the ship was sent to Singapore after the British declaration of war on Germany. There she was on board the ship during the Battle of Singapore, which saw Grasshopper evacuate for the Dutch East Indies. It was sunk en route, and Judy was nearly killed having been trapped by a falling row of lockers. She was rescued when a crewman returned to the stricken vessel looking for supplies.
Judy, a pure-bred, liver-and-white English Pointer, was gifted to the Royal Navy as ship’s mascot and began her Naval career aboard HMS Gnat and then her sister ship the river gunboat, HMS Grasshopper. By some miracle Judy survived enemy attacks on both ships and then, in February 1942, as she accompanied the survivors of the Grasshopper on their daring trek to safety she was taken prisoner and began a three-year sentence as a Japanese Prisoner of War in the steaming jungles of Sumatra.
Judy (dog) - Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org
Judy (1936 – 17 February 1950) was a ship's dog on board HMS Gnat and HMS Grasshopper stationed on the Yangtze before and during World War II. She proved able to hear incoming aircraft, providing the crew with an early warning. After part of the crew transferred from the Gnat to the Grasshopper in June 1939 the ship was sent to Singapore after the British declaration of war on Germany. There she was on board the ship during the Battle of Singapore, which saw Grasshopper evacuate for the Dutch East Indies. It was sunk en route, and Judy was nearly killed having been trapped by a falling row of lockers. She was rescued when a crewman returned to the stricken vessel looking for supplies.
Judy | Naval Prisoner of War dog | National Military Working Dogs memorial
Read about Judy, a Navy Military Working Dog who is the only Prisoner of War dog | National Military Working Dogs memorial
nmwdm.org.uk
Judy, a pure-bred, liver-and-white English Pointer, was gifted to the Royal Navy as ship’s mascot and began her Naval career aboard HMS Gnat and then her sister ship the river gunboat, HMS Grasshopper. By some miracle Judy survived enemy attacks on both ships and then, in February 1942, as she accompanied the survivors of the Grasshopper on their daring trek to safety she was taken prisoner and began a three-year sentence as a Japanese Prisoner of War in the steaming jungles of Sumatra.
5fish
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I found a dog WW1...
www.mentalfloss.com
Dogs have gone to war for thousands of years, but during World War I, one pooch rose above his peers. When the 102nd Infantry’s 26th Yankee Division was training at Yale, a stray dog befriended the men. Nicknamed Stubby, the mutt learned to salute by throwing a paw up to his eyebrow. When the unit shipped out to France, it was only natural that the soldiers smuggled Stubby along
More on the dog...
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While training for combat on the fields of Yale University in 1917, Private J. Robert Conroy found a brindle puppy with a short tail. He named him "Stubby", and soon the dog became the mascot of the 102nd Infantry, 26th Yankee Division. He learned the bugle calls, the drills, and even a modified dog salute as he put his right paw on his right eyebrow when a salute was executed by his fellow soldiers. Stubby had a positive effect on morale, and was allowed to remain in the camp, even though animals were forbidden.
Sergeant Stubby: The Drool Sergeant of World War I
Any dog can fight. But only one could help win the Great War.
www.mentalfloss.com
Dogs have gone to war for thousands of years, but during World War I, one pooch rose above his peers. When the 102nd Infantry’s 26th Yankee Division was training at Yale, a stray dog befriended the men. Nicknamed Stubby, the mutt learned to salute by throwing a paw up to his eyebrow. When the unit shipped out to France, it was only natural that the soldiers smuggled Stubby along
More on the dog...
While training for combat on the fields of Yale University in 1917, Private J. Robert Conroy found a brindle puppy with a short tail. He named him "Stubby", and soon the dog became the mascot of the 102nd Infantry, 26th Yankee Division. He learned the bugle calls, the drills, and even a modified dog salute as he put his right paw on his right eyebrow when a salute was executed by his fellow soldiers. Stubby had a positive effect on morale, and was allowed to remain in the camp, even though animals were forbidden.
5fish
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Here a famous war dogs from the Boer War...
peek-01.livejournal.com
South Africa is a nation of dog-lovers, and also as a nation with a lengthy martial past has seen many “soldiers” of the canine variety serving the “colours”. What follows is a list of five famous dogs of South African origin that have acquired lasting fame and glory through their steadfastness, loyalty and courage.
5 Famous South African War-Dogs
5 Famous South African War-Dogs by Ross Dix-Peek Dogs have been used in warfare since the dawn of time, either in the guise of so-called “war dogs” trained for combat conditions, or that of scouts, sentries and trackers, and are still used to this day by various military forces worldwide. No-less…
peek-01.livejournal.com
South Africa is a nation of dog-lovers, and also as a nation with a lengthy martial past has seen many “soldiers” of the canine variety serving the “colours”. What follows is a list of five famous dogs of South African origin that have acquired lasting fame and glory through their steadfastness, loyalty and courage.
5fish
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Here is the unsinkable cat... If he could only talk...
www.zmescience.com
The black and white cat was originally named Oscar but then became known as Unsinkable Sam. He started his “career” in the fleet of the Nazi regime, the Kriegsmarine, and ended it in the Royal Navy. He was onboard Bismarck, the HMS Cossack, and the HMS Ark Royal, but here comes the cool part: while all those three ships sank, Sam survived them all.
en.wikipedia.org
The cat's original name is unknown. The name "Oscar" was given by the crew of the British destroyer HMS Cossack that rescued him from the sea[citation needed] following the sinking of the German battleship Bismarck. "Oscar" was derived from the International Code of Signals for the letter 'O', which is code for "Man Overboard"[1] (the German spelling, "Oskar", was sometimes used, since he was a German cat).
Meet Unsinkable Sam: The Cat that Survived Three Ships Sinking in WWII
The black and white cat was originally named Oscar but then became known as Unsinkable Sam. He started his "career" in the fleet of the Nazi regime, the Kriegsmarine, and ended it in the Royal
www.zmescience.com
The black and white cat was originally named Oscar but then became known as Unsinkable Sam. He started his “career” in the fleet of the Nazi regime, the Kriegsmarine, and ended it in the Royal Navy. He was onboard Bismarck, the HMS Cossack, and the HMS Ark Royal, but here comes the cool part: while all those three ships sank, Sam survived them all.
Unsinkable Sam - Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org
The cat's original name is unknown. The name "Oscar" was given by the crew of the British destroyer HMS Cossack that rescued him from the sea[citation needed] following the sinking of the German battleship Bismarck. "Oscar" was derived from the International Code of Signals for the letter 'O', which is code for "Man Overboard"[1] (the German spelling, "Oskar", was sometimes used, since he was a German cat).
5fish
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Here is another cat on a US Coast Guard ship... Herman the Cat... There is a
veteranlife.com
thecinemaholic.com
Herman the Cat Slayed Foes Aboard U.S. Coast Guard Ships
We've heard endlessly about military dogs, but what about their smaller four-legged companions, cats? Herman the cat is one great example.
veteranlife.com
Was There Really a Cat Named Herman in the US Coast Guard?
As a documentary that lives up to its title in every way imaginable, Andy Mitchell’s ‘Inside the Mind of a Cat’ is a Netflix original we can only describe as equal parts cuddly as well as captivating. That’s because it follows a handful of actual professional cat experts as they give us a better...
thecinemaholic.com
Close up of Herman the cat / cat passes through Coast Guard gate at...
Close up of Herman the cat / cat passes through Coast Guard gate at Baltimore waterfront / two Coast Guardsmen fingerprint the cat's paws / Coast Guardsman holds cat while another adjusts a light /...
www.gettyimages.com
5fish
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I did not know the Titanic had a cat on it but an abandoned ship before it left Northern Ireland to go to New York... Jenny abandoned ship with her kittens... Jenny was the cat's name... She supposedly saves one crew member's life in doing it...
www.mentalfloss.com
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According to one telling of her story, Jenny didn’t keep her offspring on the ocean liner for very long. When the Titanic left Belfast and docked at Southampton to prepare for its first voyage, Mulholland reportedly saw the cat transport her kittens to dry land one by one and abandon the ship. The crew member took this as a bad omen and let the boat leave without him. A few days later, both Jenny and Mulholland’s instincts were proven to be well-founded.
Here is a link that adds in other animals on the Titanic... Dogs survived the sinking ...
While it is believed that Jenny and her kittens survived the ship’s sinking, there are some animals that are confirmed to have made it out alive. First-class passengers were allowed to bring their dogs on the ship, which some did. When the ship set sail, there were at least 12 dogs on board, three of which survived. The survivors were all small dogs, two Pomeranians, and one Pekingese, so they were easily hidden in the blankets or coats of their owners and smuggled onto the lifeboats.
The Legend of Jenny, the 'Titanic' Cat Said to Have Predicted the Ship's Fate
Jenny likely didn't make it off the ship alive, but according to one legend, she anticipated the disaster and saved the life of a crewmember.
www.mentalfloss.com
According to one telling of her story, Jenny didn’t keep her offspring on the ocean liner for very long. When the Titanic left Belfast and docked at Southampton to prepare for its first voyage, Mulholland reportedly saw the cat transport her kittens to dry land one by one and abandon the ship. The crew member took this as a bad omen and let the boat leave without him. A few days later, both Jenny and Mulholland’s instincts were proven to be well-founded.
Here is a link that adds in other animals on the Titanic... Dogs survived the sinking ...
While it is believed that Jenny and her kittens survived the ship’s sinking, there are some animals that are confirmed to have made it out alive. First-class passengers were allowed to bring their dogs on the ship, which some did. When the ship set sail, there were at least 12 dogs on board, three of which survived. The survivors were all small dogs, two Pomeranians, and one Pekingese, so they were easily hidden in the blankets or coats of their owners and smuggled onto the lifeboats.