Saluting war's beasts of burden
Remarkable camels continue to contribute today, Carol Tracey writes.
Etched in bas-relief into the Animals in War memorial in England are familiar species that had no choice when coerced into the arenas of war, yet one species that generally does not receive sufficient respect and accolades is the camel.
For many centuries, these beasts of burden have been utilized in war, and for transporting heavy equipment, often through difficult terrain. It is timely that the United Nations has designated 2024 as the Year of the Camelids in recognition of their contribution and value. This unique clan embraces llamas, guanacos, vicunas, alpacas and two species of camels — dromedary and bactrian.
A carving dated to 728 BC and another that depicts Assyrians pursuing Araba on camelback with an approximate dating between 660 and 650 BC, confirm that these noble beasts are historically significant. Andrew S. Goudie's book, Camel Tracks — A History of Exploration, Warfare and Policing in the Modern Imperial Age — reveals a plethora of information worthy of perusing.
Information about these remarkable creatures showcases the fact that “the men came to admire their mounts for their remarkable powers of endurance and willingness to go on until they dropped. The camels proved brave — or insouciant — under fire, even when suffering minor injuries and dripping blood.”
Camels continue to contribute within certain cultures and are an essential component of Jordan's Royal Desert Forces, patrolling in the punishing desert climate; they are also considered useful in raising water from wells, as a vital means of transport for passengers and cargo, and as a valuable source of meat and cheese.
Purple poppies have now become a familiar symbol with which to acknowledge the animals who served alongside soldiers in times of conflict.
While some monuments such as the one in London, England, are grand in stature, a single granite stone, erected in Vicksburg Cedar Hill Cemetery, stands as a lasting memorial to honour Old Douglas, a dromedary camel. The marker serves as a lasting memorial bearing witness that the animal was a “faithful, patient” camel and a highly regarded member of the 43rd Mississippi Infantry regiment. Douglas was killed during the Battle of Vicksburg in 1863.
If the Dickin medal had been in existence when Douglas was alive, I believe that he would have been a deserving recipient. “He faced the enemy bravely” is but one of a few citations that praise Douglas's bravery, courage and resilience in battle.
It is now 80 years since Maria Dickin created this medal that bears the inscription “For Gallantry” and “We also Serve” within a laurel wreath; to date it has been awarded to 75 animals, the latest being Bass, a Belgian-malinois who served as a multi-purpose canine in the U.S. Marine Corps. Bass's many heroic accomplishments included “more than 350 explosive sweeps and 46 high-value missions”; and, in another raid, he identified five explosive devices that resulted in lives being saved.
Red poppies emerging has been a gentle reminder that Nov. 11 was approaching, an important day to remember the sacrifices of so many; purple poppies have now become a familiar symbol with which to acknowledge the animals who served alongside soldiers in times of conflict. In recognition of the contribution of all animals who served, and continue to serve, the purple poppy was created as a befitting tribute to salute and remember animals who display such stalwart courage.