Their heroism is widely acknowledged, their tragic deaths well documented, and rightly so.

But what of the 16 million animals deployed to carry infantry, transport supplies, deliver messages or simply deliver comfort to the troops?

With the centenary of WWI days away, Morpeth Museum has produced an emotional exhibition featuring a collection of suspended white doves of peace to honour the unsung heroes of the war.

“Initially we wanted to deliver something a bit different for the children, so we decided to explore the history of animals in the war and it has turned into a huge story,” curator Sue Thomas said.

“But it just became sadder and sadder and I had to stop. I just couldn’t go any further with it.”

Anzac Centenary Walkway opening

During the war, horses, donkeys, mules and camels carried food, water, ammunition and medical supplies to men at the front, while dogs and pigeons carried messages.

Canaries were used to detect poisonous gas, and cats and dogs were trained to hunt rats in the trenches.

Hunter students nearly there

More than nine million horses died fighting and it is estimated that by 1918, 55,000 dogs had been used as sentries, scouts, casualty dogs and mascots.

“The first aid dogs were also able to go around at night and find soldiers the medics had left for dead, which was a huge percentage,” Ms Thomas said. 

Pigeons also played a vital part in the war; 100,000 of the birds were used to send messages with an astonishing success rate of 95 per cent.

“The whole thing has got beyond sad and we want to recognise the little-known contribution animals made during WWI and acknowledge their part in the conflict,” Ms Thomas said.

Don't miss our 24-page Gallipoli 100-year souvenir magazine in Friday's Mercury.