Angela Rippon lays wreath for Brooke to remember animals in war
Broadcaster Angela Rippon laid a wreath on behalf of Brooke last week at the annual Animals in War Memorial service in London, which commemorates animals who served and sacrificed themselves during conflict.
The service took place in Hyde Park on 8 November 2024, featuring horses from the Household Calvary, service dogs and homing pigeons released by the Pigeons in War charity.
Each November, Brooke encourages people to get involved in Every Horse Remembered Week (6-11 November), to honour the heroic war horses of the past and protect the millions still suffering.
Angela said: “I’m honoured to support Brooke at such an important and moving service, a time to remember the millions of horses, donkeys and mules who went to war alongside our soldiers.
“Working equines are still the backbone of many communities throughout the developing world.
"I have long supported Brooke, having left a gift in my Will to Brooke in 2018.”
8 million horses, donkeys and mules died in World War One, with most who survived never returning home and kept overseas for hard labour.
In 1930, Brooke’s founder Dorothy Brooke discovered thousands of former British war horses suffering in Egypt, establishing the Old War Memorial Hospital to help give them a life worth living.
The service is organised by Petplan Charitable Trust and invites representatives from animal charities across the UK to pay their respects, with past attendees including Jilly Cooper CBE and Sir Derek Jacobi.
Today, Brooke’s work has expanded to Africa, Asia and Latin America, reaching thousands of developing communities who depend on working animals for their livelihoods.
The Animals in War Memorial monument at Brook Gate, Hyde Park, pays tribute to all the animals who served and died alongside British Commonwealth and Allied forces in the conflicts of the 20th century.
The monument was unveiled by HRH The Princess Royal in 2004, the 90th anniversary of WWI’s beginning.