RPRA Office Manager, Julia Field, attended the Remembrance Service for Animals in War last week.

She reports: “I was honoured to have the opportunity to lay a wreath on behalf of the RPRA on the steps of the Animals in War Memorial in London on Friday 18th November at a service of remembrance.

“There were some very moving readings of poems and letters written by soldiers in WW1 and WW2, together with children’s readings of letters they had written and poems they had learnt. One inscription on the memorial reads: ‘They had no choice’.

“Also in attendance were actors Sir Derek Jacobi and Jenny Seagrove who both delivered readings, together with horses from the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, dogs from the Irish Terrier Association, Military Working Dog ‘Pluto’ from the Royal Army Veterinary Corps and two well-behaved mules.

“You may be able to pick out images of 3 pigeons on the memorial, just above the elephant’s tusk. Sir Derek Jacobi is just above my head in my selfie picture (one for the family album), he’s also with others from the Irish Terriers Association. I took a picture of the inscription on the reverse of the memorial where the pigeon gets a mention too. If you’re in London I recommend a visit.”

Download a copy of the programme for the service.