15 Historical Photos Of Cats During War

 While cats might not immediately stand out as brave military animals, the fluffy little felines served an important role in the lives of soldiers, serving as mousers and ratters to protect vital food stores and prevent the spread of disease. But perhaps more importantly, cats often served as a morale boost for soldiers. Many cats were adopted as "mascots" whether it was in the trenches of WWI, aboard battleships, planes or tanks. Via: Flashback & Meowingtons

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  • 01

    British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, making the acquaintance of Blackie, the bushy-tailed mascot of HMS Prince of Wales.

    Standing
    via Meowingtons
  • 02

    Aboard the HMAS Nizam, the ship’s cats have a custom made cat hammock to themselves.

    Photograph
    via Meowingtons
  • 03

    27th July 1956: Junior seaman Trevor Grunkhurn plays cards with the help of the ship’s pets, Joey the golden hamster, and Smew the kitten.

    Photograph - HMS. TORQUAY
    via Hulton Archive/Getty Images/ Flashback

    They are aboard the HMS 'Torquay', one of the new class of Anti-Submarine Frigates.

  • 04

    A gunner with the regimental cat in a trench. Cambrin, France, February 6th, 1918.

    Stock photography
    via Meowingtons
  • 05

    British soldier playing with mascot cat. [Illustrated War News, Vol. 7, London, 1918]

    Snow
    via Meowingtons
  • 06

    "Pincher," the mascot of the HMS Vindex, sitting on the propeller of one of the seaplanes carried by ship.

    Propeller
    via Meowingtons
  • 07

    The only cat to receive a Dickin Medal is Simon, the ship's cat about the HMS Amethyst, for his heroism in the line of duty and the disposal of many ship rats despite injury.

    Cat
    via Meowingtons
  • 08

    Portrait of Company O'Connor Men and Cat.

    Photograph
    via Meowingtons
  • 09

    Ensconced in an opening in a sandbagged dugout, a cat, probably a regimental mascot, looks up expectantly at the approach of an unidentified soldier.

    Photograph
    via Meowingtons
  • 10

    Sailor on board the HMAS Melbourne holding two ship's cats. 1917.

    Photograph
    via Meowingtons
  • 11

    US Coast Guard mascot "Bilgewater" ensuring the quality of a new cadet uniform is up to cat comfort-level standards.

    Illustration - Image: USNI
    via Meowingtons
  • 12

    wo men of the 9th Battalion, Gordon Highlanders (15th Division) with their pet cat. "Martinpuich," August 25th, 1916.

    Photograph
    via Meowingtons
  • 13

    On patrol

    Tree - BLACK CAAT COMMAND LIFE
    via Meowingtons
  • 14

    Oscar, AKA Unsinkable Sam, was a mascot on the German battleship Bismarck

    Auto part
    via Flashback

    Legend has it that when it sank in 1941 he was seen among the wreckage and taken aboard HMS Cossack. When this ship sank, he was transferred to the aircraft carrier Ark Royal.

  • 15

    Studio portrait of J G Harrison, holding a kitten.

    Photograph - 6537
    via Meowingtons
  • 16

    A feline mascot named "Spark Plug."

    Airplane
    via Meowingtons
  • 17

    Ship's cat strutting along the barrel of a 15-inch gun on the deck of the HMS Queen Elizabeth. Gallipoli Peninsula, 1915.

    Cylinder
    via Meowingtons

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