The Northern Ireland Purple Poppy Memorial Fund was established by the Ancre Somme Association Charity in 2023 to remember the animals that served from WW1 to the present day. This initiative is a heartwarming tribute to the countless animals that have played a vital role in armed conflicts throughout history. From horses and mules to dogs and pigeons, these animals have bravely served alongside their human counterparts, often making great sacrifices in the process.

The establishment of the Northern Ireland Purple Poppy Memorial Fund is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by animals in times of war. By recognising and honouring these brave creatures, we pay tribute to their unwavering loyalty and dedication to duty. Through your support of the fund, we can ensure that the memory of these animals lives on and that their contributions are never forgotten.

The Purple Poppy is the international symbol of Remembrance for animals. The purple poppy was created by the charity “Animal Aid” as a way to commemorate animals that served during conflicts as the charity viewed that they had been the forgotten victims of war.

Throughout history animals have accompanied men into combat as modes of transport and communication, protectors and companions. They have fulfilled a variety of roles – from carrying men and munitions to evacuating the wounded, performing guard and sentry duties, carrying out search and rescue operations, detecting gas in trenches, locating improvised explosive devices. Dogs, cats, and more unusual animals including monkeys, bears and lions, were kept as pets and mascots to raise morale and provide comfort amidst the hardships of war.

During the First World War, pack animals like horses, donkeys and mules travelled over landscapes destroyed by heavy bombardments to deliver the war materiel needed at the front. Working individually or in teams, they would carry heavy guns and ammunition, as well as other vital supplies, especially where the use of motorised transport was impossible. This practice continued into the Second World War, when elephants were also used to carry weapons and ammunition in the Far East. Animals were not only used to carry weapons and supplies, but to transport men as well.

The memorial will be brought to life by Moneypenny's Blacksmiths, in Portadown. It will consist of a life size horse, dog, and a pigeon mounted on a stone plinth. The memorial will be situated in the Courtyard of Brownlow House, Lurgan.

As part of the project we are currently looking for people, from all walks of life, who would be interested in carrying out a six week course in blacksmithing and engraving. These courses will be free. Those selected will have the opportunity to help create the memorial.

Register for the course here.

As well as the memorial we also plan to produce an educational resource. This resource will give a better of the role played by animals in various battles, wars, and conflicts from WW1 to the present day.

Finally, it is our aim to involve schools, and youth organisations, in the project with our Northern Ireland Purple Poppy Memorial Arts Contest. The Northern Ireland Purple Poppy Memorial Arts Contest will give young people the opportunity to engage with an important aspect of history through art.

The song, They Served Together, was inspired by the poem, Animals of War, by the Australian multiple published author and poet Santina Lizzio. Poems by Santina feature on various memorial across the globe. She also serves as the poet to the Australian War Animal Memorial Organisation.

This track is available as a digital download. If you would like to download the track, and support our campaign,

click here.

The Kids Purple Poppy Memorial Arts Contest is a wonderful initiative that aims to honour the animals that have served alongside humans in times of war, from World War I to the present day. This contest not only commemorates the sacrifices made by these animals but also serves as a reminder of the important role they have played in military operations.

Through art, children can express their thoughts and emotions about war and the sacrifices made by both humans and animals. They can create beautiful and meaningful pieces that pay tribute to these brave creatures, while also fostering a sense of empathy and understanding for the sacrifices that have been made in times of conflict.

By participating in this contest, children can learn about the various animals that have served in wars throughout history, from the horses of World War I to the search and rescue dogs of the present day. They can gain a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices made by these animals.

All entrants of the contest will receive a prestigious Purple Poppy Certificate, acknowledging their participation and contribution to the project. A selection of the entrants will have the opportunity to be a part of an exhibition at Brownlow House.

Opening Date: 1st September 2024 - Closing Date: 1st March 2025

Age: 0-16 years.

For further information, or to register your orgaisation, email info@asauk.org