The Animals at War Memorial is one of London’s most recent additions to its extensive list of memorials, the memorial is in remembrance of the thousands of animals who were conscripted to serve in the armed forces during the Second World War and other conflicts that occurred in the 20th century. The memorial has been erected at Brookgate, Park Lane in a corner of London’s Hyde Park, the memorial was designed by famed sculptor David Backhouse.

As the name itself implies the memorial is a tribute to the bravery of countless animals that were drafted into the British Army and also those who were conscripted in other Commonwealth nations. The most commonly used animals were horses, mules, dogs and canaries. Almost every kind of animal is appreciated even the primitive glow worm- glow worms were used by soldiers during the First World War to illuminate maps when fighting in trenches.

The monument itself is believed to have been inspired by the book “Animal in War” by Jilly Cooper, subsequent to its publication over a million and a half pounds in donations were raised and the memorial was erected. The animal losses in the conflicts during the 20th century are believed to be substantial with some experts stating that over 8 million horses died during the First World War itself. The causes for their untimely deaths are manifold a large number perished due to starvation, many died in enemy captivity, some died due to exhaustion and others were killed while serving the army.

The memorial itself is quite large in its dimension measuring 55 feet by 58 feet and is made of Portland stone wall. The large inscription reads as Animals at War and the smaller inscriptions below declare “"This monument is dedicated to all the animals that served and died alongside British and allied forces in wars and campaigns throughout time," and the other inscription tells of their unfortunate plight “they had no choice.” The curved wall depicts a war scene and two bronze mules are seen struggling up the steps of the memorial while a bronze dog and horse look beyond towards the distance.

Located in a popular district many London hotels can be found in this area, however due to large influxes of local and foreign tourists it is advisable to book before hand using a London hotel reservation service.