They carried soldiers, saved lives, and offered comfort in war's darkest moments. But what did animals mean to the people beside them, and what do we owe them today? Discover the remarkable bonds forged between humans and animals in war.
Animals have served alongside Australians in every major conflict. They carried soldiers into battle, delivered life-saving messages, detected hidden dangers and offered comfort when it was needed most. But beyond their service lies an extraordinary story of trust, loyalty and companionship.
From the Australian Light Horse to military working dogs and an assistance cat helping veterans recover from trauma, discover the remarkable bonds between humans and the animals that served alongside them.
Featuring military working dog handler and founder of the Australian War Animal Memorial Organisation, Nigel Allsopp, this episode explores more than a century of conflict. And it uncovers the enduring relationships between people and the animals who served beside us.
Collection items and related stories
Nigel Allsopp. Photo courtesy Australian War Animal Memorial Organisation
Explore more from Nigel Allsopp and the Australian War Animal Memorial Organisation (AWAMO)
- Explore Nigel's published books on war animals
- Visit the Australian War Animal Memorial Organisation's website
- Learn more about Nigel's career, service and achievements
An Australian Light Horse Trooper riding by. Egypt 1915
Explore stories of the Australian Light Horse
- Learn more about the history and legacy of the Australian Light Horse though the Australian Light Horse Society
- View photographs of the Australian Light Horsemen from the AWM collection
- Read about the Australian Light Horse's role in the battles around Lone Pine
- Watch a film of the 3rd Light Horse Brigade in Melbourne, 1915
Tiber, a Labrador tracker dog with the 7RAR, is on piquet duty with his personal handler, 43921 Lance Corporal Norman Leslie Cameron
Explore stories of Australia's Vietnam tracker dogs
- View images of Cassius and Lance Corporal Norman Leslie Cameron
- Explore the AWAMO's tribute to the 11 tracker dogs left behind in Vietnam
- Listen to Christopher O'Neil's oral history on the establishment of the Dog Tracking Team, 7RAR
Manic, the combat assault dog
Explore the service of Manic, the Combat Assault Dog
- Read Manic's story on the AWAMO's website
- Discover the legacy of retired military working dog Manic through Cronulla RSL
- Read Nigel's book, Australian War Dogs: The Story of Four-Legged Diggers
Bandit the cat
Explore remarkable stories of Bandit and Boat
- Discover more of Bandit and Boat's work
- Read the ABC article of assistance cat Bandit
- Explore more animal stories on WM
Voices
- Nigel Allsopp
Nigel Allsopp is the founder of the Australian War Animal Memorial Organisation (AWAMO) and a leading advocate for recognising the service and sacrifice of animals in war. He has dedicated decades to researching and preserving the stories of military animals and their handlers. - Lawrence Watts
Lawrence Watts is a founding Director of The Australian Light Horse Society Ltd, a founding Director and ambassador of the Australian War Animals Memorial Organisation (AWAMO), and a recipient of the Australian Defence Medal. He has spent more than three decades researching and preserving the history of the Australian Light Horse. - Jason Price
Jason Price is a former Australian Army military working dog handler and the handler of Manic, one of Australia's most highly decorated military working dogs. He is passionate about recognising the service of military working dogs and supporting them in retirement. - Anthorr Nomchong (Bandit & Boat)
Anthorr Nomchong is a former Australian serviceman, law enforcement officer and emergency services volunteer. Today, he is a mental health advocate who, alongside his accredited assistance cat Bandit, works to improve recognition and understanding of assistance animals.
About the host
John Barrington
John is the host of Through Their Eyes. Drawing on his experience presenting and reporting for 3RRR Melbourne, Good Shout Stories, triple j HACK, ABC Radio and The Project, he brings a fresh perspective to Australian War Memorial storytelling, connecting you with the people and experiences behind Australia’s military history, inspired by his father's Second World War service. As your guide through the podcast, John helps reveal the human stories and overlooked perspectives, making history accessible and relevant.
