In war and in peace, animals and soldiers have worked alongside each other. As beasts of burden, messengers, protectors, mascots and companions these war animals have demonstrated true valour and enduring partnerships with New Zealand soldiers. The bond is unbreakable, their sacrifice great.
In memory and honour of all those who have served Aotearoa New Zealand, the four stamps in this issue depict a range of animals and their stories.
Individual stamps included in this set:
$2.30 'Dogs' - Depicted in the stamp, Major the dog was the mascot of 2 NZEF, 19th Battalion. Major was a white bull terrier and was a true ANZAC, an Australian by birth adopted as a pup by Errol Williams, a New Zealand cadet at the Royal Military College, Duntroon.
$3.60 'Pigeons' - Military messenger pigeons were often the difference between life and death for WWI servicemen. Messenger pigeons used their natural instincts, following landmarks by aerial recognition, as well as their sense of smell, to ensure messages were safely delivered.
$4.30 'Horses' - In WWI 10,000 horses were commissioned by the Government to equip the New Zealand Expeditionary Force in Egypt. The Kiwis rode New Zealand horses almost exclusively and they served them well, gaining a reputation for toughness and endurance that was second-to-none.
$4.90 'Donkeys and mules' - During WWII the New Zealand Army 1st New Zealand Mule Pack Company was formed from personnel who’d had previous experience of mules and donkeys. The Company was stationed at Sidi Bou Ali, Tunisia and was tasked to transport ammunition, stores and water to the forward troops in isolated positions in the Tunisian hills.
