Flo of the Somme

Flo of the Somme Synopsis

Ahead of the Battle of the Somme’s centenary year in 2016, and following on from the huge success of Where The Poppies Now Grow and The Christmas Truce, Flo Of The Somme pays tribute to the remarkable bravery of the animals who risked their lives during World War 1.

Mercy dog 'Flo' has more to contend with than racing across dangerous battlefields. Can she reach the injured in time with her first aid kit, and can she lead stretcher bearer, Ray, to the stricken. Written in rhyme, in homage to the war poets, this book serves as a gentle introduction for young children to the First World War. The rich illustrations detail significant landmarks of a battle which is recognised as one of the costliest engagements of World War 1.

Animals played a crucial role in World War One. 50,000 dogs, more than a 100,000 pigeons and approximately 8,000,000 horses and mules, along with elephants, camels, cats, goats, canaries, bears, a baboon, a springbok, a golden eagle, a fox, rabbits, chickens and even glow-worms all risked their lives.
Flo’s story resonates with many of the true tales from the First World War.

Sergeant Stubby, an American Pit Bull Terrier, was probably the most famous war dog. Stubby was found as a stray and smuggled to France during World War One by American troops. The dog’s heroic acts include participating in 17 battles, four offenses, and improving troop morale. He also used his keen senses to warn his unit of poison-gas attacks, incoming artillery fire, and to locate downed soldiers on the battlefield (they were also put to good use when he sniffed out and apprehended a German spy lurking in the trenches).

Another Sergeant, a donkey known as Jimmy 'The Sergeant' saved countless soldiers' lives on the battlefield and was later awarded the Dickin Medal for bravery, the highest military honour for an animal.