Silhouette statues of a horse and donkey were unveiled in a ceremony in France to honour the horses, donkeys, mules, dogs and pigeons that lost their lives on the Somme in World War I. Animals played an important role in the Battle of the Somme. Horses and mules were used to move artillery guns and haul wagons containing supplies under enemy fire while donkeys were used to transport injured soldiers from the front line to safer areas. Dogs and pigeons carried messages when phone lines were cut by artillery.Over 200 people attended the unveiling ceremony at Le Memorial des Animaux, a memorialdedicated to animals that served and died in war, in Le Parc du Moulin in Pozieres on Saturday 12 September.The statues were funded byThe Donkey Breed Society (Northern Region), The War Horse Memorial CIC and the Australian War Animal Memorial Organisation (AWAMO).Representatives from these charities were accompanied at the ceremony by members of the Moulin Coeur de Patrimoine Pozires and Association Digger-Cote 160 as well as military guests from Australia, France and the UK. Captain Harry Grantham RHA and Squadron Leader Helen Grantham. Credit: Sandra Taylor.Canon EOS 250D f/10 1/500s 18mm ISO400Animal involvementHorses, donkeys and dogs were also in attendance and there was a ceremonial release of homing pigeons at the end of the ceremony.Following the ceremony, a reception was hosted by the Mayor of Pozieres, Pascal Chalier. Chelsea Pensioner Roy Palmer, who is 87, read a poem. It is a total privilege to work alongside friends in our partner organisations to give due commemoration and respect to our beloved animals, said Sarah Booth from the Donkey Breed Society.We hope that people in the future will always remember what these brave animals went through as they experienced the most traumatic of situations. We hope that experiences of the past can be used to positively shape the roles of animals involved in warfare today and in the future. Main image Sarah Booth.Related contentEscapee donkeys rehomed by donkey charity6 fascinating facts about donkeys as we celebrate World Donkey DayStorm survivors: donkeys rescued from flooded fieldBrooke triumphs at charity film awardsThe post Equine memorials unveiled to honour animals killed in the Battle of the Somme appeared first on Your Horse.