This Month FixNation’s Medical Director, Dr. Kerri Anderson, is taking a break from writing about health and medical concerns in cats and writing about cats in history.
We all think of service dogs, but since humans took to the sea- up to about World War II- we had service cats! Commonly known as ship cats, there have been several famous kitties keeping our servicemen company throughout history. Their roles have been to help with everything from rodent control to improving troop morale. I hope you enjoy these photos as much as we did!
Every soldier needs a Kitten Cam Accessory for their non-combat time activities!
Ship’s cat on HMAS Encounter during World War I.
Prime Minister Winston Churchill blocks Blackie, the ship’s cat of HMS Prince of Wales, from crossing thegangway to the USS McDougal (DD-358), an American destroyer, during a ceremonial visit in 1941. source: wikipedia
Convoy sleeps in a hammock aboard HMS Hermione, whilst members of the crew look on. source: wikipedia
“I’ll be in my bunk.” The cats of the USS Mississippi climb ladders to enter their hammock, ca 1925. The Mississippi was involved in several fierce battles in the Pacific during World War Two and was hit by kamikazes twice. It survived to be among the ships in Tokyo Bay that witnessed Japan’s surrender. source:http://www.usni.org/news-and-features/cats-and-the-sea-services
“Waiting instructions in the briefing room, pilots on a US Navy aircraft carrier relax by playing with the ship’s mascot. Shortly after this picture was taken they were flying far above the Atlantic on a battle-mission.” Probably the USS Ranger, July 1944
