By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A puppet show has described the little-known role of ‘man’s best friend’ in World War I to Berwick Lodge Primary School students.
The Messenger Dogs travelling show on 20 and 21 April enacted the stories of dogs Nell, Trick and Bullet who carried messages between headquarters and the front line.
About 80,000 dogs assisted Anzac troops by carrying messages, bandages, small supplies as well as offering companionship.
Assistant principal Sandra McCrum said students learnt more about the sacrifices made not only by men and women but also animals.
“It told tales of courage, determination and mateship that captured the hearts and minds of young Victorians.”
Each student also received a commemorative 1919 Children’s Peace Medal – similar to the silver-coated medallion given to Australian children under 16 at the end of World War I.
