Chelsea pensioner and poet launches International War Animal Day 2026
Pictures: Paul Nicholls Photography
Old soldier and Chelsea Pensioner, Roy Palmer, launched the UK arm of International War Animal Day on February 24 at Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens. The poet and animal lover was introduced to the Park’s oldest resident, 90-year-old giant tortoise George who was born before World War Two. George’s shell was donned with a cloak of one hundred purple poppies, the symbol of remembrance for the tens of millions of animals who lost their lives in conflicts.
Roy, 87, says he’s proud and honoured to be an ambassador for International War Animal Day, a partnership between the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, America, and France. He said: “In war, animals can frequently be the forgotten casualties and yet with their help history tells us battles can often be won.
“The War Horse Memorial fundraises for animal sanctuaries and I’m hoping that my support will highlight their work. I’m planning a 1,000-mile cycle ride for peace which I will undertake in memory of my late wife Muriel this summer. I hope to raise funds for them and the Royal Hospital Chelsea.
“ My poems feature the animals sent to war, and the hardships, fear and cruelty they endured. I tell the story through their eyes. I love writing factual poetry and have published three books, with another pending. The use of animals in war is a big part of my books. Queen Camilla has all three of which I am extremely proud.”
Staff at Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens say they were delighted to host Roy and the War Horse Memorial. Spokesperson Debbie Ryan added: “It was an honour to welcome Roy to the Park for this year’s launch. As well as meeting our camels and giraffes, he met our newest arrivals, two baby rhinos. He also did us the honour of adorning the Park’s oldest resident, giant tortoise George, with a special purple poppy blanket gardener Mandy has knitted to remember all the brave fallen animal heroes. Made of 100 hand-knitted poppies, it fits perfectly over George’s enormous shell.”
Across the rest of the country people marked February 24 by wearing pin badges and putting knitted poppies for their pets’ collars. In Mid Sussex, Cuckfield’s Jubilee knitters created post box toppers depicting animals sent to war. Wreaths were laid at the feet of Poppy, our war horse memorial in Ascot.
The Green Howard Museum in Richmond, North Yorkshire and the York Army Museum created displays of purple poppies. Members of the Donkey Breed Society organised a series of events to mark the occasion and remember the role donkeys have played in wars.
In Central Park, Peterborough, where a memorial stands in remembrance of Jimmy, a donkey born in the trenches during World War One, members of the Donkey Breed Society’s Eastern Region and friends gathered in an act of commemoration. Jimmy became a mascot for 1st Battalion of the Cameronian Scottish Rifles. After arriving in Peterborough after the war, he spent many happy years raising funds for the RSPCA.
Other organised events included a blessing from a Bishop in Bewcastle, Cumbria, a visit to Leyland Cenotaph, and a gathering of DBS members in the Southern Region. In Northern Ireland there was a walk with donkeys in Castlewellan Park, County Down.
Explosive detection dog Florence, or 'Flo Joe' as she was affectionately known, posthumously received the Animal Distinguished Service Award from the Australian War Animal Memorial Organisation.
Flo Joe and her handler Sergeant Ian Moss in Afghanistan.
Flo Joe was selected for the award – which recognises exceptional service by animals on operations – for her service in Afghanistan. There she completed four deployments between 2007 and 2012. More than half of years were spent in a war environment.
She retired with honours and died in 2014. Flo Joe’s story caught the attention of King Charles who sent a letter of support. He was “truly heartened” to learn of her service and her award.
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