Horses in World War I
Horses in World War I were very easily killed by machine guns and ordinary guns on the battlefields. Over 48,000 horses were killed in World War I, 210 from poison gas. Many drowned, died of exhaustion, or got stuck in mud or shell holes.
Horses were mainly used for helping with transport. They carried guns and bullets. They were better than motor vehicles over rough and muddy surfaces. It was hard to get enough food for them because they were in the middle of war. Horses ate about ten times as much food as a human. In 1917, allied operations were threatened when horse feed rations were reduced.
Horses In World War I Media
A Canadian cavalry recruitment poster
Members of the Royal Scots Greys near Brimeux, France, in 1918
The 20th Deccan Horse drawn up in ranks during the Battle of Bazentin Ridge, 1916
Members of the Canadian Cavalry Brigade perform a cavalry charge during the Battle of Moreuil Wood.
Australian Imperial Force light horsemen, 1914
French horsemen crossing a river on their way to Verdun.
Italian veterinary technicians perform surgery on horse.
Ottoman cavalry south of Jerusalem in April 1917
Gas masks for man and horse demonstrated by American soldier, circa 1917-18., 1918 - 1919
Mules hauling supplies at Gallipoli, 1915
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