Stories Your Grandfather Never Told You About the War

EDMONTON, Alberta - May 26, 2016 - PRLog -- Nearly every rank and company enlisted a mascot. The mascot might have been the officer's pet or an orphaned pup that happened to stroll by the unit. Officially, mascots were against the rules and had to be smuggled into the ranks.

The use of mascots is a centuries-old tradition. A mascot's breed was familiar to the surroundings of the company. Monkeys, goats, rabbits, geese, and several exotic animals were privy to being adopted. The common link for all mascots was that they boosted morale and inspired the crew through the most heinous of times.

Once a mascot was adopted, special moves were made to accommodate it. Many were issued identification papers, Mae West life jackets and hammocks. Some were even assigned specific duties.

As with fellow service-mates, mascots were not immune to danger and disease and many survived some close calls. Others were not so lucky.

It's a part of warfare veterans don't mind talking about. Mascots carved a special place in their hearts and memories and while the stories are many, most are not recorded.

Most of the stories in this book came directly from the veterans themselves. They shared personal letters and photographs. In order to describe the uniqueness and personality of the mascot, the servicemen would share the very details they never liked to talk about. These letters give the reader a better understanding of some of the conditions these men had served under and how the mascot helped them through each battle.

Anonymous: The Wartime Role of Military Mascots is available for $5.99 U.S. on Kindle. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01G65WZDM