Dumfriesshire to remember Animals In War

Dumfriesshire to Honor Animals In War

In a special outdoor service to be held on Armistice Day at the Devil’s Porridge Museum, Dumfriesshire will pay tribute to Animals In War. The event, taking place on Monday, November 11, will include a two minutes’ silence at 11am at the museum’s Animals At War Memorial followed by wreath laying. Pet lovers are encouraged to attend the ceremony at the museum in Eastriggs.

The Devil’s Porridge Museum in Eastriggs, Dumfriesshire, commemorates HM Factory Gretna, the largest munitions factory in the world during World War One, employing 30,000 workers from the Commonwealth. The museum hosts one of the only two official monuments in the UK dedicated to Animals In War. On Armistice Day, attendees can gather at the museum’s statue at 10.45am to honour the animals that played crucial roles in various wars, from horses to homing pigeons.

The outdoor service will commence at 11am at the five-and-a-half-foot polished granite statue, symbolizing the sacrifices and contributions of animals during wartime. The Devil’s Porridge Museum will lay a wreath at the memorial, which is valued at £10,500 and holds significance as the sole Animals in War memorial in the north of the UK, with the other in London. The memorial received approval from Princess Anne during her official opening of the museum a few years ago.

The memorial’s history dates back to 2008 when the Animals in War committee was established by Stephen Glencross in Cumbria. Initially planned for a location in Carlisle, funding challenges led to the relocation of the memorial to the Devil’s Porridge Museum in Dumfries and Galloway. Councillor Richard Brodie, chairman of the Eastriggs and Gretna Heritage Group, expressed delight in hosting the memorial, considering it a significant addition to the area.

Additionally, to recognize animals’ contributions during World War II, the PDSA Dickin Medal was instituted in 1943 in the UK. Known as “the animals’ Victoria Cross,” the medal acknowledges acts of bravery and dedication by animals during wartime. Visitors are invited to observe a two minutes silence on Remembrance Sunday at 11am and witness wreath-laying at Eastriggs and Dornock war memorial.

In summary, Dumfriesshire’s commemoration of Animals In War at the Devil’s Porridge Museum serves as a poignant reminder of the vital roles played by animals in times of conflict and war. The museum’s dedication to honouring these contributions through its unique memorial reflects a deep-rooted respect and gratitude towards the animal companions that stood alongside humans during periods of turmoil. Attendees at the upcoming service will have the opportunity to pay their respects and reflect on the enduring legacy of these animals in history.