Glow worms in the trenches. A baboon on the front line. Cats in the captain's hat.
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These are the wartime stories rarely told, but which the Riverina Light Horse brigade plans to commemorate with a service at the Victory Memorial Gardens on Saturday morning.
"Animals have always been used in battles, going back to ancient times elephants and dogs were utilised," said John Ploenges, Riverina Light Horse committee member and service organiser.
"Baboons and goats were there in the World Wars. Goats were mostly mascots, but the Canadian army in World War II actually gave one a uniform."
Onboard the British naval ship the HMS Amethyst during the Cold War, a stowed-away cat managed a rapid rise through the ranks.
"During the Yangtse incident in 1957, this cat actually slept in the captain's hat. It also controlled the vermin on board the ship," said Mr Ploenges.
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But aside from the companionship, throughout the years, animals have proven invaluable to the war effort. They carried wounded soldiers to safety in the case of John Simpson Kirkpatrick's famed donkey.
The pigeons braved shell and bullet barrages to take messages between trenches.
"Three pigeons were awarded the Dickens Medal in World War II after they came home with bullet holes in them, but they got the message out that save troops on the front line," said Mick Batchelor, Riverina Light Horse committee member.
The baboons, bears and dogs alerted troops to the silent approach of the enemy and their proximity to landmines. Glow worms provided light in the muddy trenches. Creatures were even used as weapons.
"Bees were used in the World Wars. They'd throw angry hives into the trenches and tunnels. Mosquitoes too," Mr Ploenges said.
For their bravery and their efforts, 66 animals have been awarded the Dickens Medal, which is the equivalent of the military Victoria's Cross.
"The animals didn't have a choice and most didn't come back. The war wouldn't have been what it was without their contribution," Mr Batchelor said.
"Over 130,000 horses left for the frontline in World War I, but only one came home."
To commemorate their sacrifice, defence force animals will join the 11am Saturday service. The Riverina Light Horse brigade will feature nine riders.
Wagga Pigeon Racing Club handler Bill Boydell will release his fleet of fliers.
But the guest of honour will be Zephir the dog and handler Sergeant Melissa Reibel.
In 2011, Zephir was awarded the K9 Operation Medal for military service in East Timor.