Jet the Rescue Dog: ... and other extraordinary stories of animals in wartime

by David Long

In Italy in 1943, British soldiers found themselves in the firing line of a bombing raid from their American allies unless they could call off the assault. With no radio available, the day was saved by a carrier pigeon who covered the 30 km to the air base in under 20 minutes, and arrived when the bombers were about to take off. This book compiles more than 30 such tales of animal heroism.

Genres: Nonfiction, History

240 pages, Hardcover

First published September 2, 2014

About the author

Winner of the Blue Peter Book of the Year 2017, writer and journalist David Long has regularly appeared in The Times and the London Evening Standard, as well as on television and radio. He has written more than 30 books for children and adults and lives in Suffolk.

Reviews

[Shirley Francis · Rating 5 out of 5]

an excellent book which tells of the courage of not just dogs, but also of other animals who showed courage. Not just on the battle fields but also on the home front. As in the case of 'Tipperary Beauty' a dog which helped to find pets in collapsed buildings. Also there is the story of Prince the dog who ran away to war' and found his master in France, how he got there no one knows. 'Simon' of HMS Amethyst giving comfort to injured sailors and protecting their food from mice and rats, despite being injured himself. It also tells of animals in Korea, at Ground Zero and in Afghanistan, finishing off with details of the war memorial dedicated to all the animals that have served.
Whether it's pigeons, Horses cats or dogs you like best, this book is for all animals touched with tales of warmth, and sometimes sadness, but mostly with the heroic bravery that all have shown.

[Geneva Henson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very touching stories of a wide variety of animals who fought in wars alongside soldiers. Very heartwarming, make sure you have tissues when reading!

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gave it 5 out of 5 because it was an inspirational book as dogs,birds, and even bears would leave their normal lives to help and serve governments with their soldiers at war across the world.

[Alistair Turnbull · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely collection of mind-opening stories about a few different types of animals - mostly dogs and birds - during wartime. There's even a chapter about an Iranian bear, adopted as a cub by some Polish soldiers during WW2, who ended up shocking the enemy at nearly 2m tall and even helping to carry mortar shells! It's an uplifting and surprising book, thoroughly well-researched and clearly and engagingly written.
I think children of any age above 8 or 9 would enjoy this, perhaps 10+ depending on your child's ability. I read it and enjoyed it very much, as an adult.

[Just_me · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actually my 9 year old daughters school reading book, we have loved it.
Lots of amazing true stories about the unbelievable strength and loyalty of animals. Some stories may give you goose bumps or make you shed a tear, but most just make us want to hold our beloved pets closer.