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

01
British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, making the acquaintance of Blackie, the bushy-tailed mascot of HMS Prince of Wales.

via Meowingtons
Advertisement
02
Aboard the HMAS Nizam, the ship’s cats have a custom made cat hammock to themselves.

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.

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.

via Meowingtons
Advertisement
05
British soldier playing with mascot cat. [Illustrated War News, Vol. 7, London, 1918]

via Meowingtons
06
"Pincher," the mascot of the HMS Vindex, sitting on the propeller of one of the seaplanes carried by ship.

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.

via Meowingtons
Advertisement
08
Portrait of Company O'Connor Men and Cat.

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.

via Meowingtons
10
Sailor on board the HMAS Melbourne holding two ship's cats. 1917.

via Meowingtons
Advertisement
11
US Coast Guard mascot "Bilgewater" ensuring the quality of a new cadet uniform is up to cat comfort-level standards.

via Meowingtons
12
wo men of the 9th Battalion, Gordon Highlanders (15th Division) with their pet cat. "Martinpuich," August 25th, 1916.

via Meowingtons
13
On patrol

via Meowingtons
Advertisement
14
Oscar, AKA Unsinkable Sam, was a mascot on the German battleship Bismarck

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.

via Meowingtons
16
A feline mascot named "Spark Plug."

via Meowingtons
Advertisement
17
Ship's cat strutting along the barrel of a 15-inch gun on the deck of the HMS Queen Elizabeth. Gallipoli Peninsula, 1915.

via Meowingtons

For a weekly dose of animal-themed community challenges - Subscribe to our Newsletter!

Can't get enough of ICanHasCheezburger? Find us on Instagram!

Also From I Can Has Cheezburger?

Trending Now

UPDATE: Hooman instantly bonds with a loving cat they find in the street, then, after finding ‘Lost Pet’ signs in their neighborhood, reluctantly return him to the original owner: ‘A happy ending to the story!’

15 Historical Photos Of Cats During War

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

Portrait of Company O'Connor Men and Cat.

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

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

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

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

On patrol

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

Studio portrait of J G Harrison, holding a kitten.

A feline mascot named "Spark Plug."

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

Tags

Also From I Can Has Cheezburger?

Trending Now

UPDATE: Hooman instantly bonds with a loving cat they find in the street, then, after finding ‘Lost Pet’ signs in their neighborhood, reluctantly return him to the original owner: ‘A happy ending to the story!’

24 Meowing Memes With Wholesome Aura Spreading Around Cat Cuteness

22 Lovestruck Felines Reminding Cat Pawrents How Lucky They Are to be So Loved

20 Purrfectly Fluffy Feline Funnies to Inspire a Pawsitive Start to Your Meowrning

Stupendous Series of 30 Silly Cats Engaging In Classic Feline Behavior and Being Adorable Little Weirdos

A Caturday Bonanza Full of 26 Hissterical Cat Memes