Heroic Animals of WWI and WWII You’ve Never Heard Of

Throughout the darkest chapters of human history, amidst the chaos and devastation of two world wars, extraordinary animal heroes emerged to save countless lives and change the course of history. While we may be familiar with war horses or carrier pigeons, many remarkable animal contributions have faded into obscurity. These unsung heroes—from slugs that detected gas to camels that carried the wounded—demonstrated incredible courage, intelligence, and loyalty in the face of unimaginable danger. Their stories deserve to be remembered not just as curiosities but as testament to the profound bonds between humans and animals during our most challenging moments. Join us as we explore these forgotten animal warriors and the invaluable roles they played in WWI and WWII.

The Gas-Detecting Slugs of the Western Front

During the horrific trench warfare of World War I, poison gas emerged as one of the most feared weapons. Chlorine, phosgene, and mustard gas killed thousands and left many more with lifelong injuries. Early gas masks were primitive, and gas detection methods were rudimentary—until military officials made a surprising discovery about common garden slugs.

Scientists noticed that slugs were extraordinarily sensitive to the presence of poison gas, showing visible distress before concentrations reached levels detectable by humans. The British Army began keeping slugs in small boxes at observation posts along the Western Front. When the slugs showed signs of discomfort—curling up, closing their breathing pores, or secreting excessive mucus—it signaled soldiers to don their gas masks immediately. This primitive but effective early warning system saved countless lives, giving troops precious extra seconds to prepare for gas attacks when every moment mattered.

Wojtek: The Bear Soldier Who Carried Artillery Shells

Perhaps the most extraordinary animal soldier of WWII was Wojtek, a Syrian brown bear adopted as a cub by Polish soldiers of the 22nd Artillery Supply Company. The soldiers, who had been released from Soviet labor camps, purchased the orphaned bear cub in Iran in 1943. As Wojtek grew, he became more than a mascot—he developed into a full-fledged member of the company, officially enlisted as Private Wojtek with his own paybook and serial number.

During the brutal Battle of Monte Cassino in Italy, Wojtek surprised everyone by voluntarily carrying heavy crates of artillery shells to the front lines. The 440-pound bear transported shells that would have required four men to lift, moving between supply vehicles and gun emplacements without fear of the deafening noise of battle. The image of Wojtek carrying an artillery shell became the official emblem of the 22nd Company. After the war, Wojtek lived out his days at the Edinburgh Zoo, where he would respond to Polish commands and reportedly perk up whenever he heard his native Polish language from visitors.

Jackie the Baboon: South Africa’s Unlikely Soldier

Among the most unusual military service animals was Jackie, a Chacma baboon who served with the South African forces during World War I. Jackie belonged to Albert Marr, a South African farmer who enlisted in 1915 and received special permission to bring his unusual pet along. The baboon was provided with a uniform, complete with buttons, regimental badges, and even his own pay book. Jackie learned to salute superior officers and adopted the routine of military life with remarkable adaptability.

Jackie’s acute senses made him invaluable in detecting enemy movements and approaching danger long before human sentries could. During the Battle of Delville Wood in 1916, Jackie was injured by shrapnel while trying to build a protective wall of stones around himself—mimicking the soldiers’ actions during incoming fire. For his service and injury, Jackie received a medal and was promoted to the rank of Corporal. He returned to South Africa with Marr after the war and was even present at official military parades, where he would salute dignitaries with perfect military bearing.

Sergeant Stubby: The Stray Dog Who Became a War Hero

While Sergeant Stubby has gained some recognition in recent years, his extraordinary service still remains unknown to many. Found as a stray wandering around Yale University in 1917, this bull terrier mix was smuggled to France by Private J. Robert Conroy of the 102nd Infantry Regiment. Stubby quickly proved his worth by alerting troops to incoming artillery shells and locating wounded soldiers in no man’s land. His most notable contribution came when he caught a German spy mapping out the Allied trenches—Stubby heard the man speaking German, charged, and kept the spy pinned until American soldiers arrived.

Stubby participated in 17 battles, survived a gas attack, and subsequently learned to warn his unit of incoming gas attacks by barking frantically. He was wounded twice in action and became the first dog to be given a rank in the United States Armed Forces after being promoted to Sergeant for his capture of the German spy. After the war, Stubby became a celebrity, meeting three presidents and receiving numerous medals. When he died in 1926, his remains were preserved and are now displayed at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, preserving the legacy of America’s most decorated war dog.

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