Animals and war book – University of Chicago Press
Nina, Duchess of Hamilton and Brandon, with a vulpine companion. Nina was responsible for evacuating hundreds of cats and dogs to her Ferne sanctuary in Summer 1939
I have recently signed a contract with the University of Chicago Press to write a book on the cat and dog massacre in 1939 and the subsequent animal-human relationship during the Second World War on the Home Front in Britain.
There is a huge amount of material about non-human animals in published (and unpublished) diaries, memoirs and even official accounts of the war that has been overlooked. Home Guard accounts, for example, noted the plight of animals. In a valedictory publication in June 1945 the Poplar chief warden reflected: ‘Perhaps the most pitiful sight of this nightly scene of devastation was the behaviour of stray dogs and cats…’
Animals were widely observed during the war: the owls coming into central London during the blackout; birds singing in Green Park; the Siamese cat draped round his human companion’s neck in Holland Park; a rabbit found running around Piccadilly Circus – a lost regimental mascot…
Yet today much of this is unknown in the public domain, though it still features in family stories and memories.
I will be placing updates and extracts from the draft chapters here. I am always interested in hearing family stories /memories of people’s relationships with companion animals during the war – or suggestions for things to read – so please do contact me.
Congratulations on the book contract. Sounds like the book will be packed with very interesting material. Am looking forward to reading it.
This sounds like a very interesting project, and from what I already know, Wilfred Risdon was very closely associated with protecting domestic animals during this war, in his work with the London and Provincial Anti-Vivisection Society.
Congratulations on the contract! Well done and I look forward to reading the drafts. I have been ruminating with some twitter friends on the companionship of animals as we write. I have had no. 1 and no. 2 feline research assistants with me constantly as I work on revising a book manuscript!
Congratulations on the book contract.
I have long been interested in the animal welfare during both World Wars and have researched it extensively – particularly the role of NARPAC, of which I own some wonderful and rare artefacts. I used to do a presentation to the public on this subject at 1940s events!
I am very much looking forward to reading your publication. A huge pity I am too far from Manchester to attend your lecture next week.
My wishes for your every success
Jay Ann Knox