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The collie at war
They carried no weapons but these dogs saved lives on the battlefield and stayed beside the dying until the very end. In the mud-soaked chaos of World War I, where poison gas filled the air and machine guns never fell silent, some of the bravest souls had four legs and wagging tails. They were called Mercy Dogs—trained not to kill, but to comfort.
Also known as "Sanitary Dogs“, these loyal companions were sent into the nightmare of No Man’s Land— the deadly stretch between opposing trenches— to find wounded soldiers after battles. Carrying saddlebags filled with bandages, water, and sometimes a small dose of brandy or morphine, they would sniff out the fallen. If the soldier was alive, the dog would stay, offering warmth, companionship, and hope. If the soldier was beyond saving, the dog would lie beside them—ensuring they didn’t die alone.
These animals were more than medics. They were silent heroes who braved exploding shells, barbed wire, and sniper fire—not for orders, but out of loyalty. Trained to distinguish between the dead and the living, they moved with purpose, empathy, and astonishing courage. Used by the British, French, and German armies, Mercy Dogs saved thousands. Some became legendary—like Rags, who carried vital messages under fire, or Sergeant Stubby, who detected gas attacks. But most were never named in history books. They were buried quietly alongside the soldiers they tried to save.
Their legacy lives on in today’s therapy and service animals. But during the darkest hours of the Great War, they were something more: guardians of the wounded, companions of the dying, and a rare kindness in a world gone mad.
Every November we wear the poppy to remember the fallen, the purple poppy is to remember the animals who also served and gave there lives for us, so please wear your poppy with pride .
When a black and white collie retriever was born on a farm in Shropshire in the late 1930s, it probably never occurred to his owners that he could become a hero.
Rob spent his early years with the Bayne family of Tetchill, after they bought him for five shillings soon after he was born.
He was their farm dog and pet before they volunteered him as a war dog in 1942 and he was signed up later that year.Rob saw action in North Africa from September 1943 and became the first war dog to serve with the Special Air Service Regiment (SAS).
He was also on operations in Italy, parachuting in on sabotage missions.
On 3 February 1945, Rob's courage was recognised when he was awarded the Dickin Medal, seen as a Victoria Cross for animals.
The citation read: "For service including 20 parachute jumps while serving with infantry in North Africa and SAS Regiment in Italy."
He was also given the RSPCA Red Collar and Medallion for Valour as well as, according to reports, a lifetime supply of biscuits.
Rob was the only dog to be awarded both the Dickin Medal and the Red Collar. He demobilised in November 1945 and, two years later, led the Wembley Parade of 32 war dogs in front of 10,000 spectators.
When Rob received the Dickin Medal, his owner Edward Bayne told the Oban Times how caring he had been as a farm dog.
"He used to help settle the chicks in their houses at night, picking them up in his mouth when they had strayed away – he had a wonderful mouth – and tucking them in under their mothers."
Edward's son Basil, who lives in Northern Ireland, learned to walk as a baby by holding onto Rob's tail or clutching his coat.
When Rob received the Dickin Medal, his owner Edward Bayne told the Oban Times how caring he had been as a farm dog.
Edward's son Basil, who lives in Northern Ireland, learned to walk as a baby by holding onto Rob's tail or clutching his coat.Basil said: "Following his wartime exploits, Rob was returned to us and settled back into life on the farm, occasionally making public appearances to help raise funds for returning prisoners of war and their families.Rob died in 1952, aged 12.
The Dicken Medal
The PDSA Dickin Medal was instituted in 1943 in the United Kingdom by Maria Dickin to honour the work of animals in World War II. It is a bronze medallion, bearing the words "For Gallantry" and "We Also Serve" within a laurel wreath, carried on a ribbon of striped green, dark brown, and pale blue. It is awarded to animals that have displayed "conspicuous gallantry or devotion to duty while serving or associated with any branch of the Armed Forces or Civil Defence Units".The award is commonly referred to as "the animals' Victoria Cross".Maria Dickin was the founder of the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA), a British veterinary charity. She established the award for any animal displaying conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty whilst serving with British Empire armed forces or civil emergency services. The medal was awarded 54 times between 1943 and 1949 – to 32 pigeons, 18 dogs, 3 horses, and a ship's cat – to acknowledge actions of gallantry or devotion during the Second World War and subsequent conflicts.As of January 2023, the Dickin Medal has been awarded 74 times, plus one honorary award made in 2014 to all the animals who served in the First World War
History of the collie
The Ancestral Origins of the Collie
The Collie’s origins can be traced back to the Celtic tribes of Scotland and Northern England, where they were first used as herding dogs. The breed’s name is believed to derive from the Scottish dialect for ‘useful,’ reflecting their role on the farms and in the fields. These early Collies were bred for functionality, with a keen instinct for herding and an ability to withstand the challenging weather conditions of the Highlands. They were not the uniform breed we know today, but rather a diverse group of dogs selected for their working abilities. The exact lineage of the Collie is a matter of some debate among historians, with theories suggesting that they descended from Roman herding dogs or were indigenous to the British Isles.The modern Collie breed was developed during the 19th century, with breeders in England and Scotland beginning to standardize its appearance and temperament. Queen Victoria’s fondness for the breed, after encountering it during a visit to Scotland, significantly boosted its popularity among the upper classes. This led to the Collie’s transition from a working farm dog to a fashionable companion. During this period, two distinct types of Collie emerged: the Rough Collie, with its long, luxurious coat, and the Smooth Collie, with a shorter, sleeker coat. Both varieties were bred for their herding abilities, but also for traits that would make them excellent companions, such as intelligence, loyalty, and a gentle nature.The Collie’s journey from the pastoral hills of Scotland to the hearts of families around the world is a testament to the breed’s versatility, intelligence, and charm. Whether working on a farm, performing in the show ring, or starring on the silver screen, Collies have consistently demonstrated their loyalty, beauty, and noble spirit. Today, they continue to be cherished as both working dogs and beloved pets, embodying the qualities that have made them one of the most enduring and iconic dog breeds in history. Their legacy, shaped by centuries of history and popular culture, ensures that the Collie will remain a favorite for generations to come.
