17 replies to this topic

[NickC]

Hi Forum,

Wondered if anyone had information relating to a horse called "David" a wheeler in a gun team with 107th Battery RFA during the Great War, he was wounded four times.

The horse also served in the South African War and saw his final days out at the Duchess of Portlands rest for old horses where he died in 1921.

Regards

Nick

[Siege Gunner]

Very interesting, Nick.  Was Winifred, Duchess of Portland's rest home for old horses at Welbeck?  I know she persuaded the 6th Duke to build almshouses, funded by his racing winnings, and wonder if she also badgered him into paying for the old horses' home.

[battiscombe]

I would check the war diary, if you have not already. I have seen at least one regular RFA Bde diary which concluded the war Nov 1918 by noting how many of its original horses had survived, and that several were indeed South African veterans, I seem to remember. Strong bonds ..

[ororkep]

Nick,
from my copy of the RA War Commemoration book.
Rgds
Paul

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[trailertrash]

He's true War Horse Isnt he. His list of decorations are indeed impressive. RIP David.



Andy

[NickC]

Siege Gunner, on 13 February 2012 - 09:47 PM, said:

Very interesting, Nick.  Was Winifred, Duchess of Portland's rest home for old horses at Welbeck?  I know she persuaded the 6th Duke to build almshouses, funded by his racing winnings, and wonder if she also badgered him into paying for the old horses' home.

I'm led to believe the rest home was at Welbeck, Winifred was very active in the society for the prevention of cruelty to animals.

[NickC]

trailertrash, on 14 February 2012 - 01:02 PM, said:

He's true War Horse Isnt he. His list of decorations are indeed impressive. RIP David.



Andy

As you say Andy he is a True War Horse.

Canadian veteran Will Bird wrote that "David" was the most famous war horse of the Great War and makes no mention of "Warrior" who according to Jack Seely 1st Baron of Mottistone was a legend among Canadian troops. So after seeing quite a bit on "Warrior" lately I wondered if the forum could help with resurrecting the story behind the True War Horse "David"

I have to thank Paul for providing the drawing of "David" what a gem, I had hoped there was a picture somewhere but never thought someone would come across it so quickly fantastic.

[ianjonescl]

A interesting link on this theme

The Horse Trust Sets The Record Straight On 21st Century War Horses

[SteveMarsdin]

ianjonescl, on 14 February 2012 - 07:21 PM, said:

A interesting link on this theme

The Horse Trust Sets The Record Straight On 21st Century War Horses

Thanks for posting the link, the story of the German horse, Roger, was fascinating (wonder what his real name was ?).

The history of David, surviving WW1 and earlier conflicts and to be remembered in the RFA book is remarkable too.
,

[NickC]

battiscombe, on 13 February 2012 - 10:15 PM, said:

I would check the war diary, if you have not already. I have seen at least one regular RFA Bde diary which concluded the war Nov 1918 by noting how many of its original horses had survived, and that several were indeed South African veterans, I seem to remember. Strong bonds ..

Obviously as you say strong bonds, I will have to see if I can get access to that particular Bde war diary thanks for the tip.

Regards

Nick

[squirrel]

At the ceremony for the unveiling of the War Memorial of the Royal Regiment of Artillery at Hyde park Corner, London, on Sunday 18th october 1925, the leading pair of horses of "E" Battery RHA gun team which took part in the ceremony had both served throughout the war.

[squirrel]

Picture from newspaper 19th April 1925.

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[NickC]

squirrel, on 16 February 2012 - 11:41 AM, said:

At the ceremony for the unveiling of the War Memorial of the Royal Regiment of Artillery at Hyde park Corner, London, on Sunday 18th october 1925, the leading pair of horses of "E" Battery gun team which took part in the ceremony had both served throughout the war.

The horses who drew the gun-carriage at the funeral of the Unknown Warrior Armistice Day 1920 served 14-18 as a team with F Battery RHA they served through the Mons retreat, Marne, Aisne, Neuve Chapelle, Ypres, Somme and the retreat of March 1918.

http://www.britishpa...unknown+soldier

[Michelle Young]

Anyone tried looking for his MIC? It says he is entitled to medals....

Michelle

[NickC]

Found something more on the history of war horses during the Great War:-

http://www.bluecross...collection.html

[SteveMarsdin]

I think our Mr Broomfield will love you for that  

[NickC]

Interesting photo of Bill, a veteran British artillery horse on flickr link below:-

http://www.flickr.co...100/2498171005/

[KenCalgary]

Nick, I had read somewhere (I may have lost the reference) that David was purchased by two or three offciers and sent back to England for retirement. I didn't know he was sent to the Home of Rest for Horses. Where can I find a reference to that? I'm going to write a little story about the Great War through David's eyes and would like to mention where he retired to.

The picture of David in the War Commemoration book is, I think, not a true likeness but is based on Lord Baden Powell's horse, Black Prince. Lucy Kemp Welch, the artist, used Black Prince as a model for several projects; the most famous being illustrations in the book "Black Beauty." This, of course, brings up a coincidence since the Home of Rest for orses was started by a lady who was upset by that book and wanted to help the cab horses of London.