8543RB Reading for Me Level 6 Part A

Persuasive
Daring Deeds
Throughout history pets have been
steadfast and loyal friends, even
helping humankind in its efforts to
advance. Without the assistance,
determination and sheer strength
of animals, many frontier towns
would never have been built, and
some would not exist today.
However, it’s not just in times of
advancement that animals have
loyally served humans. Throughout
all wars in history, animals have
been right beside their human
counterparts and in many cases,
ensured their safety and saved
their lives. For this reason,
animals, including pets, should be
recognised as war heroes equal to
their handlers.
Take, for example, the story from
World War I of John Simpson
Kirkpatrick, an Australian soldier
working as a stretcher-bearer who
famously rescued injured soldiers
from the frontline in Gallipoli. This
was often at great personal risk.
Simpson used the aide of a nimble
little donkey known as ‘Duffy’ to
bring soldiers away from the firing
line. Without Duffy’s courageous help under fire, Simpson would not have had so much
success. Even after Simpson was killed during the war, stretcher-bearers continued to use
donkeys in their work, showing just how invaluable the creatures were.
In addition to donkeys, horses and mules have also been used in war. These hardy creatures
delivered soldiers and their supplies over landscapes destroyed by heavy bombing, as well
as materials needed on the front line. In the far east during World War II, elephants were
used to carry weapons and ammunition and their strength was invaluable when it came to
heavy lifting, like that needed in order to pave roads or build bridges. Elephants were also
used to clean up bomb wreckage during World War II and many were lost to unexploded or
hidden shells.
Communications continued throughout wars due to the aide of pigeons and dogs. These
animals were able to swiftly navigate battlefields, so they were trained to carry important
messages between field command. Many lives were saved because of pigeons and dogs
delivering important strategic information that could swing a battle.
A hero is admired for their courage, exceptional effort and achievements. I’d say animals
can be described this way, wouldn’t you?
106 Reading for Me Level 6 (Part A) 978-1-922843-65-4 R.I.C. Publications ® Prim-Ed Publishing