Balancing rest and physical activity over the holidays
The holiday season is a time for many people to unwind from the year’s stress. Taking time to rest and recover is essential to help you recharge both your physical and mental health.
Commemorating the bravery of animals this National Day for War Animals
24 February 2022
Just like humans, animals have made great sacrifices and completed noble deeds in times of war and peace. On 24 February each year in Australia, we commemorate National Day for War Animals, where we honour the war animals who have played an important part in the conflicts and operations in which Australia has been involved.
Whether they are used for transport, communication or companionship, war animals have served alongside humans in military roles for centuries.
Typical types of war animals include:
- Military working dogs
- ADF mascots
- Horses
- Pigeons
- Camels or donkeys
- Marine mammals
- Other native and exotic animal used in aid or comfort of defence personnel
A war animal can be any animal breed that is used by the Australian Defence Force (ADF) or used in ADF service in past and present conflicts and operational roles.
The story of Sarbi
On 2 September 2008, Sarbi – a black Labrador-Newfoundland-cross dog – and her handler, Corporal David Simpson were on a second tour operating in Afghanistan with the Special Air Service Regiment (SASR), United States Special Forces, and the Afghan National Army (ANA).
Amid explosions, shrapnel from an exploding rocket propelled grenade (RPG) hit David in the leg and broke the clip that attached Sarbi’s lead to his hip. Sarbi continued to run alongside the vehicles despite being wounded by shrapnel.
Another RPG then hit under the vehicle, and after he was blown off the truck and hit by a deflected bullet, David took cover in a ditch. Although he called for Sarbi, who came within a few metres of him, she was startled by gunfire and then fled. As this was the last time that David saw Sarbi, she was listed as “missing in action”.
After returning to Australia in November 2008, David was expecting the worse for Sabi but asked his friends in the SASR and US Special Forces to keep an eye out for her, believing that she would try to make her way back. In Afghanistan, they left some of David’s clothes out around the perimeter fence to help Sarbi pick up his scent.
Amazingly, in October 2009, almost 13 months after Sarbi went missing, David got the call. “Mate, we think we’ve got Sarbi.” Sarbi was returned and appeared to be healthy, even though her fur was a little grey around the muzzle and she had put on a little weight.
Presented with a box of tennis balls on her return to camp, Sarbi was also awarded the War Dog Operational Medal with Afghanistan Clasp, and the Canine Service Medal for five years of service in 2010.
In 2011, Sarbi attended a special ceremony at the Australian War Memorial where she was awarded an RSPCA Australia medal, the Purple Cross. Sarbi is the second animal to be awarded this medal for service in wartime, after one of Simpson’s donkeys was recognised in 1997.
When it was time for Sarbi to retire, she went to live with David, his partner, and one of David’s retired military dogs, Vegas. Sarbi passed away in 2015, aged 12, after a short battle with cancer.
The Purple Poppy
Sarbi’s story is one of thousands of animals giving their lives and loyalty to serve alongside their human comrades. Animals that stand beside us in war cannot speak of what they endured, nor did they volunteer their time – they deserve to be recognised for their heroics and remembered for their bravery.
The Australian War Animal Memorial Organisation (AWAMO) introduced the ‘purple poppy’ into Australia in 2013, designed to be worn alongside the traditional red poppy as a reminder that both two and four legged diggers served too and of their bravery.
If you would like to show your support for war animals, you can purchase and wear a purple poppy from www.purplepoppies.com.au.
AWAMO are the country's leading war animal and service animal charity who consists of a diverse group of people from all walks of life, however, most are either current or ex-Defence Force or police dog handlers. Many are veterans as well.
Nigel Allsopp is the founder and president of AWAMO and recently donated $2,200 to Mates4Mates, in honour of the war animals that have served alongside our current and ex-serving Defence personnel.
Nigel and the AWAMO team have donated to Mates4Mates consistently for the last few years, helping veterans and their families find a way forward from service-related injuries.
To find out more about National Day for War Animals you can visit the Australian War Memorial website.
