The RSPCA is marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day by sharing archive stories and footage highlighting the role of animals and rescuers during World War II.
Footage from the time, including a film titled Their Safety is Your Trust, shows how RSPCA officers rescued over 256,000 animals from bombed buildings and air raids. The charity also treated more than a million animals suffering from injury and sickness between 1939 and 1945.
The RSPCA has released details from its archives, including documents and photographs, revealing how animals such as carrier pigeons, horses, donkeys, and search and rescue dogs contributed to the war effort.
The charity set up 734 rescue centres during the war. Inspectors helped animals caught up in bomb damage and rescued livestock after the deaths of farmers. Officers also dealt with seabirds affected by oil from submarines.
Dr Mark Trewin, the RSPCA’s archivist, said: “This landmark 80th Anniversary of VE Day is a time to reflect on the human and animal pain, distress and losses caused throughout the conflict.
“Sadly five RSPCA officers lost their lives during WWII as they battled to save animals in need and we want to remember their heroic actions.
“Some of the stories and memories we have unearthed from our archives about our colleagues and animal friends back during these horrific and challenging times are truly inspiring, and really do reflect the British spirit and their love for animals.
“We must also remember those animals who knew nothing of the situation in which they were placed or the dangers they faced, but played a pivotal role in helping to secure Victory in Europe – for example carrier pigeons delivering urgent messages to the frontline or those who were carried on bomber flights so if the aircraft was shot down they would be released and carry location messages back to base.
“Animals are amazing and this VE Day we’re asking people to find out how they can do their bit with the RSPCA to create a better world for animals and people.”
One story uncovered involved William Knowles, manager of the RSPCA Southwark Clinic, who died during a bombing raid. Days later, his pet cat was found wandering the streets wearing a NARPAC tag and was returned to his widow and children.
Another account told how an RSPCA inspector in Hull heard “Rule Britannia” coming from a house that had been evacuated after a bombing. On entering, he found a parrot that had been left behind. The parrot was taken to a rescue centre and later returned to its family.
A dog named Peggy received an inscribed collar from the RSPCA after digging an air pocket for a baby trapped under rubble following a bombing in East Anglia. Peggy stayed with the child until help arrived.
Another dog, Daisy, helped save the crew of a bombed trawler ship by swimming between them in freezing waters and licking their faces to keep them awake until rescue teams arrived. Daisy later lived at a seamen’s hostel in Newcastle.
In 1940, 37 RSPCA inspectors were awarded silver medals for their actions. Over 10,000 injured pets rescued from bombed sites had to be put to sleep, but nearly 6,000 were rehomed.
Inspectors often received requests from hospitalised members of the public to search bombed homes for pets. One inspector crossed a cordon to retrieve three cats, two dogs, and a cage of budgies.
On Christmas Eve 1940, an inspector in Southsea rescued hens, rabbits, a canary, a jackdaw, and several cats, later caring for them at home during the holiday.
In 1942, the RSPCA sent £27,000 worth of supplies overseas to help animals in countries including Greece, Russia, Syria, Lebanon, and Finland. A telegram from the Russian Red Army thanking the RSPCA is among the documents found.
Despite bomb damage to clinics in Southwark, Bristol, and Manchester, staff continued their work, sometimes operating in the open air. The charity’s London headquarters also suffered damage.
Funds were raised through the War Animals Allied Fund, which had Clementine Churchill, wife of the Prime Minister, as its vice president. She wrote to the RSPCA thanking them for their work.
To mark the anniversary, the RSPCA is opening a special exhibition at Southridge in Potters Bar on Tuesday, May 6. The exhibition will include wartime records, photographs, and documents.
Mark added: “We have unearthed some amazing documents including leaflets, letters, photographs and posters all which help piece together just what was happening as war ravaged the country.
“There are some truly heart-warming stories of bravery and togetherness involving animals and their rescuers and we are keen these are preserved and added to as we hope they inspire today’s society to build a world which treats animals with kindness and respect.”
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