As Remembrance Day approaches and I think of my family members who served in the first and second world wars, I think, too, of the animals that served and died in service to the Allies and by extension the Axis powers. But a recent email from The Brooke Hospital for Animals in London, U.K., an organization that provides free veterinary care to working donkeys, mules and horses in Third World countries, told the story of Warrior, a celebrated horse that served in World War l and survived.

Warrior was a Thoroughbred, foaled on the Isle of Wight in 1908. He was owned by Jack Seely who was a close friend of Winston Churchill as they served together in politics. In the military, General Seely and Warrior saw service as World War l began in 1914. Seely commanded the Canadian Cavalry on the Western Front. Warrior survived in the mud, the shells, machine-gun fire and endless terrifying chaos at the Somme (where my grandfather was injured) and Ypres. At Passchendaele, Warrior was buried under debris, stuck in the mud and twice trapped under the burning beams of his stables. In 1918, Seely and Warrior led a cavalry charge against the German advance.  Yet Warrior survived, came home to England, and lived until he was 33. His is a story of sheer bravery and unbelievable courage.

Between eight to ten million horses, donkeys and mules served in World War l. Most never came home. Warrior is a tribute to all those equines that made the ultimate sacrifice serving in the ranks with their riders.

According to The Brooke, Warrior was posthumously awarded the Dickin Medal, regarded as the highest accolade an animal can receive for serving in military conflict. Previous recipients have included 32 pigeons, 29 dogs, four horses including Warrior, and one cat.

They are to always be remembered with immense gratitude.