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Canadian soldier with Tabby the cat, WW1
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Canadian soldier with Tabby the cat, WW1
A member of the A company of the 1st Battalion of Canadian troops in Bustard Camp on Salisbury Plain, with " Tabby" the Persian cat brought across the Atlantic with the men. Date: 1914
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Media ID 14206074
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Battalion Bustard Canadians Cats Mascot Mascots Persian Plain Regimental Salisbury Tabby
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures a poignant moment in the history of the 1st Battalion of Canadian troops during World War I. Taken in Bustard Camp on Salisbury Plain in 1914, the image shows a Canadian soldier, identified only by his hat badge, seated on the ground with a charming tabby cat named Tabby. The soldier's expression is one of affection and companionship as he gently strokes the cat's fur. Tabby was not an ordinary cat; she had been brought across the Atlantic with the men as a regimental mascot. The bond between soldier and feline was a common sight during the war, as animals were often used to provide comfort and morale boosts in the harsh conditions of the battlefield. The photograph offers a rare glimpse into the daily life of the Canadian soldiers during their training in England before they were deployed to the front lines. The setting, with its rolling hills and open sky, contrasts starkly with the impending chaos and destruction that was to come. Tabby, with her expressive eyes and elegant posture, seems to embody the resilience and spirit of the soldiers. Her presence in the camp was a reminder of the simple pleasures and comforts of home, offering a brief reprieve from the harsh realities of war. This photograph is a poignant reminder of the human-animal bond and the role that animals played in providing solace and companionship during the darkest days of the First World War. It is a testament to the enduring power of love and companionship, even in the most challenging of circumstances.
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