Innocent Heroes: Stories of Animals in the First World War

Brouwer, Sigmund. Innocent Heroes: Stories of Animals in the First World War. 2017. 198p. ISBN 978-1-101-91846-3. Available at FIC BRO on the library shelves.

Jake York finds himself in the trenches of World War I, wondering how he got here. Wanting to leave his farm and see the world, he joined the Canadian army and left Winnipeg, but could not have imagined how his life would be forever changed by the war. He met Thomas, a First Nations Cree from Northern Saskatchewan, and Charlie, a rich kid from Toronto. Their friendship was forged in the fires and bombardments of the war. All three of them survived and returned home, but they owed their lives to the animals who helped them bring an end to what had been at the time the bloodiest conflict in human history.

From dogs who rescue wounded men in the no-man’s-land between both sides and warned against chemical attacks to cats that kill the large rats that festered in the trenches, to the horses which carried ammunitions and allowed reconnaissance work to the birds that delivered messages, animals played a vital role in keeping the conflict going.

This book adroitly combines Jake and his friends’ story with those of the animals that help them win World War I. It also incorporates nonfiction sections that describe the inspiration for each animal, as well as specific information relating to the Canadian army’s participation on the Allies side. Fans of War Horse will enjoy reading about other animals and their experience during the Great War.