On Monday February 24 2025 War Veterans Village (Narrabeen) RSL sub-Branch held a moving Service to honour all animals past and present who have served in conflicts. John Sowden, Secretary, War Veterans Village (Narrabeen) RSL sub-Branch, provides a report that runs further down this page.
At Pittwater RSL, the sub-Branch held its fourth Purple Poppy Day Service.
Pittwater RSL sub-Branch President Deborah Carter stated there were over 90 people attending, including representatives from Collaroy RSL sub-Branch and Narrabeen RSL sub-Branch, while Rick Myburgh, a South African Veteran who lay a wreath, and is now a member of Collaroy sub-Branch, extended the capacity .
''I thank all those who attended our Service to honour all the animals and birds who have served in Australia's defence.'' Deborah said,
''SGT Ian Moss and his dog Daisy and CPL Sean McGuckin and his dog Kipper, the students from schools; Mona Vale Public School, Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School, Pittwater High School and Mater Maria Catholic College, our Patron, The Hon. Bronwyn Bishop AO, Dr Sophie Scamps, MP, Member for Mackellar, Jacqui Scruby, MP, Member for Pittwater, Mayor Sue Heins, Northern Beaches Council, John Fairless, President, Collaroy RSL sub-Branch, Garry Maurer, President, Narrabeen RSL sub-Branch, Barry Andrews, President, Sydney Northern Beaches National Servicemen sub-Branch, and Leigh Arnold, President, Pittwater RSL Club and Jason Manning, CEO, Pittwater RSL Club.
''Pittwater RSL Club has been an outstanding support in all the Sub-Branch's endeavours to honour past Service personnel and to be of assistance to those who serve still, and are always looking to do more for us in any capacity they can. I thank them for their approach, kindness and service to those who have Served.
I also would like to thank all our Sub-Branch members and those from the community who attended our fourth Purple Poppy Day Service. It is important to honour all who Served, and this opportunity to honour the animals and birds of our Australian Defence Forces, past and present. To see so many here embrace the opportunity Purple Poppy Day presents
Purple Poppy Day Service honours all Animals who are currently serving, or have served and died, in all conflicts. ''
“They had no choice”.
In 2013 the Australian War Animal Memorial Organisation (AWAMO) introduced the purple poppy to Australia; it is sometime referred to as the “Animal Poppy”. Purple poppies are designed to be worn alongside the traditional red one as a reminder of their bravery and that both humans and animals served together.
Funds raised from donations and the sale of Purple Poppies are used by AWAMO to establish memorials. They also fund training of support animals to help soldiers with post-traumatic stress, and provide care packages including paying for care for war animals retired from service due to illness, injury and old age after active service.
Internationally AWAMO provide funds and equipment to Wildlife programmes - such as prevention of poaching projects. Several of these are using dogs to protect wildlife via anti-poaching duties, whilst another uses horses – mounted Wildlife Ranger patrols. Support can be via funds to train tracker dogs or Rangers equine mounts or as in 2021 the supply of boots and hundreds of socks to Rangers in India and Africa.
Nigel Allsopp is the founder and president of Australian War Animal Memorial Organisation (AWAMO). They introduced the purple poppy into Australia in 2013 and are the country's premier war animal and service animal charity.
In July 2017 AWAMO established the first official Australian war animal memorial in the heart of the WWI battle fields near the town of Pozieres. They also successfully lobbied Federal parliament to make 24 February National War Animal day here in Australia.
Nigel has worked with animals all his life including in the armed services and as a senior constable in the QLD police dog squad.
Nigel, a tireless campaigner and community role model, is also a historian and world expert on the subject of war animals. The author of 15 books, many of them focussing on the service of animals in all conflicts, in 2017 Nigel was recognised for his dedication with the Australian ANZAC of the year award.
On November 30, 2018, MP for Wright, Scott Buchholz called in for February 24 each year to be officially recognised as War Animal Day, or Purple Poppy Day. His speech was:
“We often, and rightly so, as a community pause to remember those brave Australian men and woman who have sacrificed it all for our country.
Earlier this month at 11 am on the 11th November we came together to remember those who have served from WW1 through to modern conflict.
At a small ceremony later that day in Canungra in my electorate another servant of the Australian Military were receiving tributes for their centuries of service.
Today I rise to pay tribute to this often overlooked servant of the Australian Military.
Throughout history, in war and in peacetime, animals and mankind have worked alongside each other.
Animals have served our nation in war as; beasts of burden, messengers, protectors, mascots, and friends.
I’m wearing this red and purple poppy pin gifted to me by Australian War Animal Memorial Organisation Inc.
The purple poppy symbolises all animals who have died during conflict.
It’s a great honour, on behalf of the Australian War Animal Memorial Organisation in Federal Parliament to dedicate the 24th February 2019 as the first National Day for War Animals in Australia.
On the 24th of February every year Australian’s will be able to pause and pay tribute to those animals who have served our country in war time and peace time.
I thank Nigel Allsopp, a local constituent of mine and the Australian War Animal Memorial Organisation he runs for their tireless dedication and pursuit of this recognition for war animals.
From the United Kingdom to New Zealand, countries right around the world honour Australian War Animals with a national day, and now Australia can join that honour.
To quote the Australian War Animal Memorial Organisation: “Australian war animals have demonstrated true valour and an enduring partnership with humans. The bond is unbreakable, their sacrifice great”
Mr Speaker, I call on all Australian’s to join with me and honour the Australian animals of war on February 24.''
Pigeons, cats, horses, camels, mules, donkeys, and dogs have served alongside Australians in conflicts from 1899 (Boer War) and still serve today.
Australian troops also took kangaroos, wallabies and their joeys overseas with them to act as mascots, morale boosters. The koala also formed part of this taking wildlife with them; Teddy the Koala was a mascot for the 3rd Divisional Supply Column of the Australian Army Service Corps. Unfortunately Teddy died during the voyage to England due to lack of gum leaves being taken with them.
The Second Queensland Contingent Light Horse adopted a koala mascot after finding it during a route march to Sandgate.
Photo - Teddy in 1916: One of a group of photographs taken with a Vest Pocket Kodak (VPK) camera by 11717 Private (Pte) Rupert Arthur Dunne, a driver with the 3rd Divisional Supply Column. Some of the photos were printed as postcards and mailed home to family members. Photo courtesy AWM
The first two Dickin Medals — the animals’ VC — awarded to an Australian animal were to birds. Blue bar cock No. 139:D/D:43:T Detachment 10 Pigeon Section. His flight to Madang saved the crew and valuable cargo of a boat that was foundering during a tropical storm. In driving rain the bird had covered 64 kilometres in 50 minutes. By the war’s end he had been on 23 missions. He served with the Royal Australian Corps of Signals.
The second Australian Dickin Medal went to Blue chequer cock No. 879:D/D: 43: Q Loft No. 5 of 1 Australian Pigeon Section. He was attached to the US forces, Manus Island, Admiralty Islands on 5th April 1944. He was the only survivor of three pigeons released to warn of an impending counter-attack at Manus Island. He reached headquarters in time to extract a US Marine Corps patrol. He too served with the Royal Australian Corps of Signals. He was awarded the Dickin Medal for gallantry carrying a message through heavy fire thereby bringing relief to a Patrol surrounded and attacked by the enemy without other means of communication.
The 8th Australian Pigeon Section was sent to Port Moresby in December 1942 to support operations on the Kokoda Trail. The pigeons were trained to carry a message for up to 120 miles (193 km) at an average speed of 30 miles per hour (48km/hr). They were particularly useful in emergency situations when no other method of communication was available.
Only those who served alongside them would be aware of how many soldiers owe their lives to the birds these men bred, trained and nurtured in the tropics of wartime Papua and New Guinea. A call then went out to owners around Australia who responded by donating 13500 birds in 1942 alone.
This number of birds is surpassed by the amount of Australian horses that have served in conflicts. During the Boer War 16,314 horses were dispatched overseas for use by the Australian Forces. In the First World War, 121,324 Walers were sent overseas to the allied armies in Africa, Europe, India and Palestine. Of these, 39,348 served mainly in the Middle East, while 81,976 were sent to India.
On October 26 2018 Australian Army special operations military working dog ‘Kuga’ was posthumously awarded the PDSA Dickin Medal for conspicuous gallantry at a ceremony in Canberra.
Kuga, a Belgian Malinois, was the first Australian dog and first Australian animal since World War II to be awarded the PDSA Dickin Medal. Kuga was the 71st recipient of the Dickin Medal.
The Commemorative Address by SGT Ian Moss, accompanied by his dog Daisy, shared Kuga's service at the Pittwater RSL sub-Branch Purple Poppy Day Service.
The PDSA Dickin Medal was instituted in 1943 in the United Kingdom by Maria Dickin to honour the work of animals in World War II. It is a bronze medallion, bearing the words "For Gallantry" and "We Also Serve" within a laurel wreath, carried on a ribbon of striped green, dark brown, and pale blue. It is awarded to animals that have displayed "conspicuous gallantry or devotion to duty while serving or associated with any branch of the Armed Forces or Civil Defence Units". The award is commonly referred to as "the animals' Victoria Cross".
Maria Dickin was the founder of the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA), a British veterinary charity. She established the award for any animal displaying conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty whilst serving with British Empire armed forces or civil emergency services. The medal was awarded 54 times between 1943 and 1949 – to 32 pigeons, 18 dogs, 3 horses, and a ship's cat – to acknowledge actions of gallantry or devotion during the Second World War and subsequent conflicts.
The awarding of the medal was revived in 2000. In December 2007, 12 former recipients buried at the PDSA Animal Cemetery in Ilford, Essex, Greater London, were afforded full military honours at the conclusion of a National Lottery-aided project to restore the cemetery.
As of January 2023, the Dickin Medal has been awarded 74 times, plus one honorary award made in 2014 to all the animals who served in the First World War.
Retired combat assault dog named Manic, who served with the 2nd Commando Regiment in Iraq, received a new award for distinguished service at the Australian War Memorial on February 24 2025.
Manic was the inaugural recipient of the Australian Animal Distinguished Service Award, which recognises outstanding actions of animals in service or to the community.
Australian Army Corporal Jacob Joseph penned the following report:
The Belgian Malinois, Manic, deployed to the Middle East, where he assisted Australian training teams and supported special forces’ Tactical Assault Group for three years.
Veterinary Officer Major Kendall Crocker, who was part of the selection panel, said Manic had an outstanding reputation within the dog-handler and commando community.
“These dogs are special dogs; they are a force to be reckoned with,” Major Crocker said.
“Elite dogs like Manic have to have very stable temperaments, making them amazing dogs in their retirement.”
Manic continues to serve as a canine ambassador, promoting service dogs for those with PTSD and highlighting the need for continuing care of military working dogs after they retire.
While Manic was the 2024 recipient, another dog named Aslan was honoured with the 2025 award.
'These dogs are special dogs; they are a force to be reckoned with.'
Aslan was also a combat assault dog with the 2nd Commando Regiment for six years.
He served with Australian training teams in the United States and with the Tactical Assault Group.
Aslan overcame a battle with cancer and spends his retirement raising awareness about canine health.
The ceremony coincided with Australia’s National Day for War Animals, a date also shared with New Zealand.
Only in its fifth year, the national day is also known as purple poppy day.
The association of purple with war animals is believed to go back to World War 1, when the Purple Cross Society raised money to support the more than 100,000 Australian horses that served overseas.
Donations from the society helped establish and run the Australian Army Veterinary Hospital near Calais, France, which treated more than 24,000 horses between 1917 and 1919.
Major Crocker said there were more than 200 military working dogs in Defence across Army and Air Force, but the day honoured all animals serving in war, past and present.
“Australian war animals have been with us in every campaign, from the Boer War to the current day, and the dog Manic tells that story beautifully,” Major Crocker said.
Retired Australian Army combat assault dogs Aslan, left, and Manic, of the 2nd Commando Regiment, receive the inaugural Australian Animal Distinguished Service Award at the Australian War Memorial. Photo: Corporal Jacob Joseph
Mr Allsopp said while both the 2024 and 2025 recipients were dogs, the award was not limited to canine military service animals.
"When you look at the medal it has a pigeon, dog, a horse and a cat," he said. "[There's] certainly lots of animals who deserve it. They are veterans, they've served.''
Details of the two peninsula Purple Poppy Day 2025 Services run below.
Photos for the Pittwater RSL sub-Branch hosted Service were taken by Michael Mannington, OAM.
Flag of the Republic of Türkiye raised at Simpson Memorial Narrabeen
In a moving ceremony on Monday 24th February 2025 the flag of the Republic of Türkiye was presented to the War Veterans Village by Dr Cem GENCOGLU Vice-Consul (Education), Consulate-General of the Republic of Türkiye to commemorate Purple Poppy Day. The flag of the Republic of Türkiye flies alongside the Australian National flag at the Simpson Memorial to demonstrate the friendship between Türkiye and Australia.
Raising the new Republic of Türkiye flag at the Simpson Memorial
Purple Poppy Day which commemorates military animals who conducted at times extremely dangerous tasks, was held at the Simpson Memorial Narrabeen where Simpson and his donkey are memorialised with a bronze sculpture.
Simpson, having been posted to the 3rd Field Ambulance was among those who landed at Gallipoli on 25th April 1915. Though a stretcher bearer, Simpson decided his task could be better accomplished using a donkey to carry the wounded.
Just three weeks after the landing, Simpson was killed by Turkish shrapnel during one of his journeys up Monash Valley to retrieve the wounded. He remains, nevertheless, one of the most famous of the men who served at Gallipoli. Purple Poppy Day on 24th February was introduced as a symbol of remembrance for animals who served alongside Australian Military Forces in conflict and peace and was first introduced into Australia in 2013.
The Purple Poppy recognises the extraordinary loyalty and courage of all animals who serve alongside our military. On the frontlines of conflict, they protect and support our diggers and in the homes of veterans living with the trauma of service, these often-unsung heroes have earned a place in the hearts of all Australians.
During the commemoration, the War Vets sub-Branch made a presentation of books entitled ‘Wear a Purple Poppy’ to representatives of each of the four local schools.
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Dr Cem GENCOGLU Vice-Consul (Education), Consulate-General of the Republic of Türkiye presents a book to students on Wheeler Heights school
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Dr Cem GENCOGLU Vice-Consul the Republic of Türkiye (left) and Lt Col Denis Moore (Ret) Friends of Gallipoli (right) with students from Wheeler Height and Narraben Lakes schools.
John Hill and Assistance Dog Yoda
Report and photos by John Sowden, Secretary, War Veterans Village (Narrabeen) RSL sub-Branch
Pittwater RSL Purple Poppy Day Service 2025
The 2025 Pittwater RSL Purple Poppy Day Service was led by Deborah Carter, President of the Pittwater RSL sub-Branch.
President Carter stated:
Good morning everyone, my name is Deborah Carter, President of Pittwater RSL sub-Branch.
On behalf of the sub-Branch and Pittwater RSL Club, I welcome you here today.
For those who are able, please be upstanding for our very special guests, SGT Ian Moss and Daisy, and CPL Sean McGuckin and Kipper.
HANDLERS, please march on the Service Dogs.
We would like to acknowledge our VIP guests:
SGT Ian Moss and his dog Daisy and CPL Sean McGuckin and his dog Kipper.
Leigh Arnold, President, Pittwater RSL Club
Jason Manning, CEO, Pittwater RSL Club
The Hon. Bronwyn Bishop AO, Patron
Dr Sophie Scamps, MP, Member for Mackellar
Jacqui Scruby, MP Member for Pittwater
Mayor Sue Heins, Northern Beaches Council
John Fairless, President, Collaroy RSL sub-Branch
Garry Maurer, President, Narrabeen RSL sub-Branch
Barry Andrews, President, Sydney Northern Beaches National Servicemen sub-Branch
Teachers and Students from:
Mona Vale Public School
Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School
Pittwater High School
Mater Maria Catholic College
I would like you all to put your hands together to congratulate our school leaders for 2025.
This is our fourth Purple Poppy Day Service. Each time, the School of Military Engineering at Holsworthy Barracks have provided Dog Handlers and their canine companions who are part of the Explosive Detection Dog (EDD) section. These are military dogs and have their own Service No. They are our special guests, and we thank them for their service and ongoing support.
“Federal Minister Scott Buchholz announced that this day, February 24, would be set aside every year to commemorate and honour the animals that continue to fight for the sovereignty of our great country.
Australia joined many other countries in the world in marking the War Animal Day. We are all being encouraged to wear a purple poppy in recognition of the deeds and sacrifice our four legged and feathered diggers have made, and continue to make serving alongside our troops.
The announcement came at the backdrop of another yet great milestone that saw the opening of the first international war animal memorial. The memorial is located near the French town of Pozieres, which was a central battlefield for WW1.”
They had no choice.
I now invite SQNLDR Dr Anna Williams to sing the Australian version of “All Things Bright and Beautiful”.
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This is the hymn with its Australian verses.
Chorus
All things bright and beautiful, all creatures
great and small. All things wise and wonderful,
the Lord God made them all.
1. The wildflowers in their beauty,
the mountain ranges tall,
the billabongs and rivers and friendly birds that call.
2. The cold wind in the winter, the bright, lifegiving sun,
the ripe fruits in the garden, he made them every one.
3. The coloured walls of gorges, the gum trees green and tall,
the rocks and pools and palm trees, the sparkling waterfall.
4. The many coloured corals, the creatures of the sea,
of bushland field or desert on farms or roaming free.
5. He gave us eyes to see them,
and lips that we might tell
how great is God Almighty
who has made all things well.
This was followed by the poem “I Spoke to you in Whispers” by Neil Andrew, which was read by Anna and Christian, students at Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School, Mona Vale.
Neil Andrew, who penned this just a few years ago, then ran a livery yard business in Warwickshire but is originally from Wales. He stated the poem was written for a competition to reflect on the horse in war. Neil said that although the poem wasn’t shortlisted, he put it on Facebook in early 2020 and it was seen by over two million people. Since then it has been read out at memorial services in the UK, Canada, New Zealand and Australia.
I Spoke to you in Whispers”
by Neil Andrew
I spoke to you in whispers
As shells made the ground beneath us quake
We both trembled in that crater
A toxic muddy bloody lake
I spoke to you and pulled your ears
To try and quell your fearful eye
As bullets whizzed through the raindrops
And we watched the men around us die
I spoke to you in stable tones
A quiet tranquil voice
At least I volunteered to fight
You didn't get to make the choice
I spoke to you of old times
Perhaps you went before the plough
And pulled the haycart from the meadow
Far from where we're dying now
I spoke to you of grooming
Of when the ploughman made you shine
Not the shrapnel wounds and bleeding flanks
Mane filled with mud and wire and grime
I spoke to you of courage
As gas filled the Flanders air
Watched you struggle in the mud
Harness acting like a snare
I spoke to you of peaceful fields
Grazing beneath a setting sun
Time to rest your torn and tired body
Your working day is done
I spoke to you of promises
If from this maelstrom I survive
By pen and prose and poetry
I'll keep your sacrifice alive
I spoke to you of legacy
For when this hellish time is through
All those who hauled or charged or carried
Will be regarded heroes too
I spoke to you in dulcet tones
Your eye told me you understood
As I squeezed my trigger to bring you peace
The only way I could
And I spoke to you in whispers...
President Deborah Carter explained a further element of horses that served in World War One; ''Due to Australia’s strict quarantine laws of the day, they would not allow animals to return to Australia. So, the soldiers were ordered to put their horses down before they returned home. This was a great tragedy and they were heartbroken to follow this order.''
The Pittwater RSL 2025 Purple Poppy Day Commemorative Address was given by SGT Ian Moss who spoke about Australian Army special operations military working dog ‘Kuga’, who was posthumously awarded the PDSA Dickin Medal for conspicuous gallantry at a ceremony in Canberra on October 26, 2018.
SGT Ian Moss explained:
Kuga served with the Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) from 2008 and was recognised for his actions during a Special Operations Task Group patrol in Uruzgan province, Afghanistan, on 26 August 2011.
During a Special Operations Task Group (SOTG) patrol, Kuga alerted his handler to an enemy presence ahead. Upon being released by his handler to investigate, Kuga crossed a river to expose an enemy ambush position, drawing small arms and heavy machine-gun fire. Despite being shot five times during the action, Kuga continued to engage the enemy until being recalled by his handler.
Kuga was evacuated by helicopter and treated at a number of coalition medical facilities in Afghanistan and Germany. Kuga died in Australia in 2012, likely as a result of stress and physical trauma associated with his wounds.
Kuga was nominated for the Dickin Medal by the SASR soldiers of that Special Operations Task Group patrol for his extraordinary courage and dedication preventing them from entering into an enemy ambush.
PDSA trustee Ms Mary Reilly presented the medal and praised Kuga’s drive and courage in the face of the enemy.
Australian Army soldier Corporal Mark Donaldson, VC, who is a former SASR military working dog handler, accepted the PDSA Dickin Medal on behalf of Kuga and SASR.
“Kuga’s actions that day in Afghanistan were heroic. There’s no doubt in anybody’s mind that he saved lives and he showed so much loyalty and courage. He wouldn’t give up on his mates and doing his job,” Corporal Donaldson said at that time.
“Kuga and the other military working dogs we all served with in Afghanistan saved countless lives, whether they were finding IEDs or tipping us off to an enemy presence before we’d seen them. Kuga’s PDSA Dickin Medal is for all the military working dogs who worked alongside us in Afghanistan and every day since.”
Kuga, a Belgian Malinois breed, is the first Australian dog and first Australian animal since World War II to be awarded the PDSA Dickin Medal.
The PDSA Dickin Medal was created in 1943 to honour the work of animals in war and has been awarded to 74 individual animals, including two Australian carrier pigeons in World War II. Kuga is the 71st recipient of the Dickin Medal, and the first Australian animal to receive the award.
Photo; Australian Army military working dog 'Odin' accepts the posthumously awarded PDSA Dickin Medal on behalf of Special Air Service Regiment military working dog 'Kuga' during the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals presentation ceremony at the Australian War Memorial, Canberra, on Friday, 26 October 2018. Photographer: WO2 R. NYFFENEGGER and courtesy Australian Army
The PDSA Dickin Medal for gallantry is awarded by the British charity the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals. Photographer: WO2 R. NYFFENEGGER and courtesy Australian Army
SGT Moss' Address was followed by a Laying of Wreaths and Books, Dorothy Clark assisted.
The order of the Laying of Wreaths and Books was;
- Deborah Carter, President, Pittwater RSL Sub-Branch
- Leigh Arnold, President, Pittwater RSL Club Ltd
- Jason Manning, CEO, Pittwater RSL Club Ltd
- The Hon. Bronwyn Bishop AO, Patron
- Dr Sophie Scamps, MP, Member for Mackeller
- Jacqui Scruby MP, Member for Pittwater
- Mayor Sue Heins, Northern Beaches Council
- John Fairless, President, Collaroy RSL Sub-Branch and Rick Myburgh
- Garry Maurer, President, Narrabeen RSL sub-Branch
- Barry Andrews, President, Sydney Northern Beaches National Servicemen sub-Branch
- Mona Vale Public School
- Sacred Heart Catholic School
- Pittwater High School
- Mater Maria Catholic College
This was followed by The Ode, Bugler, Dr Harriet Channon, who played “The Last Post”, one minutes silence to honour those animals who served, and then the ROUSE.
SQNLDR Dr Anna Williams then led those gathered in the The Royal Anthem - “God Save the King”, the New Zealand National Anthem - “Aotearoa” (Anna sang the first verse in Maori) and the Australian National Anthem - “Advance Australia Fair”
Deborah Carter, Pittwater RSL sub-Branch President, stated in closing the Service:
I would like to thank all our VIP guests, Teachers and Students, photographers, our Vocalist and our Bugler.
And a special thank you to Daisy, Kipper, Ian and Sean.
I would like to draw your attention to the back page of our Service Programme to read the important information about the Dickin Medal.
Our thanks to everyone for your support and attendance today. Please join us for light refreshments in the Club’s Distillery.
This concludes today’s ceremony.
Tamara Sloper-Harding OAM, Vice President, Avalon RSL sub-Branch and Deputy Mayor, Ruth Robins tendered their apologies for being unable to attend.
Further photos by Michael Mannington OAM, taken during and after Pittwater RSL's 2025 Purple Poppy Day Service, run below.
Deborah Carter, Pittwater RSL sub-Branch President
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