First ever Remembrance service held for fallen war horses

The first ever remembrance service was held for horses killed in conflict.
The memorial was held at the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Riding Stables at Bickleigh Barracks.

It honoured not just the eight million horses who died in World War I, but the many others who have perished in battles since.

A poppy garland is worn by Sergeant Major 'Rocky' as he is paraded by Eleanor Goodsell, 17, from Plymouth, at the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Riding Stables at Bickleigh Barracks, Plymouth, during the first ever memorial service dedicated to horses killed or injured in conflict. 

Royal Navy Lieutenants Deni Milner, left and Gary Smith fit poppies on to the bridal of Zabor at the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Riding Stables at Bickleigh Barracks, Plymouth, during the first ever memorial service dedicated to horses killed or injured in conflict. 

Royal Navy Lieutenants Deni Milner, left and Gary Smith fit poppies on to the bridal of Zabor at the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Riding Stables at Bickleigh Barracks, Plymouth

Young members of the RNRM Junior Saddle Club hold wooden crosses at the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Riding Stables at Bickleigh Barracks, Plymouth, during the first ever memorial service dedicated to horses killed or injured in conflict. PRESS 

Speaking to the Plymouth Herald, the stables’ chairwoman Cathie Gillespie said: ‘The service is one of a kind and it is the first time that anything like this has been held in the Royal Navy.

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‘Eight million horses and countless mules and donkeys died in the First World War.
‘They were used to transport ammunition and supplies to the front and many died, not only from the horrors of shellfire but also in terrible weather and appalling conditions.

‘We thought it only fitting that in this month of Remembrance we remember the animals too, and what better place to hold a memorial service but at the Royal Navy Stables.’