Horses and warfare.
WW1 RSPCA Auxiliary AVC Postcard
During the 1914 - 1918 First World War millions of postcards were sent home by troops with the embroidered silk postcard being particularly favoured by both sender and recipient. Those sending the cards saw them as something out of the ordinary, as a special and beautiful thing to send home at a time of hardship and horror. Recipients treasured and preserved the cards as memories of their loved ones fighting for King and Country.
WW1 embroidered silk postcards have always had an enthusiastic following among collectors and recent years have seen something of a boom in their popularity. There are many types available; sentimental, romantic, seasonal, patriotic, regimental badges, images of war destruction, and more, all avidly collected.
The example displayed above is a scarce example featuring the badge of those serving with the R.S.P.C.A Auxiliary to the Army Veterinary Corps.
The First World War was the final 'fighting' war for the military horse. At the beginning of the war horses were used in battle but the inevitable devastating outcome was such that their role was then limited to the burden of moving munitions, supplies, men and artillery to the front line. Conditions were horrific. Sick and wounded horses were patched up and returned for duty through to the point at which they were deemed unfit and were despatched. MIllions of horses served and died, by 1915 some 5000 horses were being put 'out of action' every day.
In 1914 The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) had established a fund to 'allieviate the suffering of sick and wounded horses on the frontline'. The fund, which operated throughout the war, was given official recognition by the Army Council and became an Auxilliary of the Army Veterinary Corps. British newspapers carried extensive advertising for the cause (see example below) with images of field hospitals and injured horses, horses involved in deeds of bravery and injured soldiers asking that their horse be cared for. The fund raised more than £250,000 and helped provide AVC hospitals with trained men, operating theatres and supplies. At the beginning of the war the Army Veterinary Corps (AVC) comprised just over 100 officers and 300 men, by the end of the war that force had expanded more than tenfold and had treated some two and a half million injured animals.
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| WW1 RSPCA Wounded Horse Fund Advert |
So, it's a special postcard and a splendid example of the historic interest that the Postcard collecting hobby can introduce. For more information about WW1 postcards you might also like
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