Baboon helped SA troops
A STORY in the Weekend Argus Sunday about the animal heroes of World War I brought back fond memories for Bernard Roe, 89, from George, Southern Cape.
Last Sunday, the story mentioned Jackie the baboon, who was among the more exotic animals called into service and who served with the 1st South African Infantry Brigade in then British-occupied Egypt and later in the trenches in France and Belgium. His acute hearing and keen eyesight helped warn soldiers of enemy movement or possible attacks when he would screech and tug on their clothing.
Roe’s father, Private Henry Roe, often regaled him with stories of the Great War and of Jackie the chacma baboon, an official mascot of the 1st South African Infantry. War took them to France, Belgium, and Egypt. “The stories made a deep impression on us as youngsters,” he said.
Jackie accompanied his minder, Private Albert Marr, to battle and received a special uniform and badge. The baboon had a pay-book and rations like other troops.
“My dad and his regiment, the South African Regiment, fought in the trenches. It was horrific beyond words, especially when it rained,” he recalls.
Roe said as a child he found the story of Jackie “fascinating”. His father had a ringside view of Jackie and his wartime service as Private Marr and Roe were good friends.
“My dad called him his halfsection.”
Some of the stories were about how Jackie would salute the officers, his intelligence and excellent hearing.
It was his hearing that helped his regiment in the trenches, because Jackie would raise the alarm about approaching danger.
“When the Germans fired at them, Jackie heard the shells coming; he would give a series of barks and the soldiers would drop down in the trenches,” he said.
During battle in Belgium in April 1918, Jackie was injured in his arm and leg, which had to be amputated.
“Jackie had his own bed in hospital. My dad was also wounded. The officers came once a day to do rounds. Jackie would sit up straight and salute them. He could see it was an officer,” he said.
Following the end of the war in November 1918, Private Marr and Jackie spent time raising funds for the Red Cross. He was officially discharged at Maitland Dispersal Camp on April 26, 1919. Private Marr and Jackie went home to a farm in Villieria, Pretoria. In May 1921, a fire broke out at their home. Although not injured in the fire, Jackie died the next day.