Creature Comforts

The companionship of animals is especially valued in wartime. In addition to official mascots, animals ranging from dogs and cats to polar bears and eagles have been adopted as pets and informal mascots by service units and individuals across the world.

Many pets and mascots have shared hardship and danger with their owners in the front line.

Images: (left to right) © Tim Graham/Corbis; Imperial War Museum Collection; Imperial War Museum Collection. (Left) Imperial War Museum Collection.