WWI Service Of Equines Remembered

Four Coverdale Baptist churches have come together for a remembrance service in honour of horses, donkeys and mules involved in the First World War.

The open air service was held at Pinkers Pond in Leyburn.

Throughout World War One, eight million equines died, not only from the fierce shellfire and gas attacks that they faced but also as a result of the extreme conditions they had to endure.

The service, which included many mounted followers, gave its proceeds to working horse and donkey charity Brooke, which is this year marking 100 years since the end of the conflict through its Every Horse Remembered campaign.

Jo Harrison-Topham told us:

"My grandmother used to tell me about my grandfather Ernest Bristow’s experiences in the First World War, and how it was the suffering of the horses that haunted him the most."

Horses, donkeys and mules played a key role in the conflict, pulling artillery pieces and moving ammunition – often described as "providing the backbone" to vast logistical operations.

The memorial left at the site reads:

 "We owe a great deal to the animals that died – it’s right they are remembered."