Throughout the course of World War II, many countries used animals to help them fight. Both four-legged and flying animals were used, each in varying and creative ways. The main animals that were used included: dogs, pigeons, bats, and rats. Here are some ways these animals were used.
Bats
The use of bats was researched by the United States Air Force during WWII. The Air Force was in search of ways to damage Japanese cities, and decided to use bats to deliver bombs to Japanese buildings. Most Japanese buildings were made of wood, bamboo, and paper, making them highly combustible. The idea soon came about to strap small bombs onto bats and drop them in the area. Millions of bats would be parachuted into the area in small containers, and at the right time they would be released. From there they would fly down to the city, seeking out dark places within buildings. Even if a few bats reached their destinations successfully, the few charges were believed to be enough to start widespread fires.
The project was tested extensively was proven to be a viable option in the war. However, the project was thought to be moving too slow, and was cancelled. The brainchild of the bat bombs, Lytle S. Adams, believed that the bombs would’ve been a better alternative to the atomic bomb. He thought the structural damage would have been just as extensive, if not more, and would have resulted in fewer casualties ("The Weird Weaponized Animals of WWII").
The project was tested extensively was proven to be a viable option in the war. However, the project was thought to be moving too slow, and was cancelled. The brainchild of the bat bombs, Lytle S. Adams, believed that the bombs would’ve been a better alternative to the atomic bomb. He thought the structural damage would have been just as extensive, if not more, and would have resulted in fewer casualties ("The Weird Weaponized Animals of WWII").
Dogs
Dogs were used a lot by the Russians in World War II as a way to eliminate tanks and armored vehicles. At first, the dogs were trained to simply carry the explosive to the target, drop it off, and then return to their owners before the bomb exploded. This was very unreliable however, as the dogs often became confused, and would sometimes return to their owners with the bombs. In order to get better results, the Russians began training the dogs to only target tanks. That’s not the only change they made, they also began strapping the explosives on to the dogs, with a lever attached to their backs. When the dogs reached the tanks, the lever on their back would be triggered, blowing up both the dog and the tank.
These dogs were actually used by the Russians, and had varying results. While the dogs were successful in destroying many tanks, the tanks weren’t always enemy tanks. Often times the dogs would run to the familiar smelling diesel tanks the Soviets used. Other problems included the dogs being shot before they reached their target, or being scared off by gunfire ("The Weird Weaponized Animals of WWII").
These dogs were actually used by the Russians, and had varying results. While the dogs were successful in destroying many tanks, the tanks weren’t always enemy tanks. Often times the dogs would run to the familiar smelling diesel tanks the Soviets used. Other problems included the dogs being shot before they reached their target, or being scared off by gunfire ("The Weird Weaponized Animals of WWII").
Pigeons
The United States attempted to use pigeons in World War II to guide their missiles. The goal of the project, called Project Pigeon (later Project Orcon), was to have pigeons inside missiles guide them to the target using a touch screen. The pigeons were trained to peck at the target on the screen, adjusting the control systems to where the target was located. Some money was invested in the project and some success was seen, but the project was eventually cancelled as other systems became more advanced ("The Weird Weaponized Animals of WWII").
Rats
The Soviet Union didn’t stop at the use of dogs in WWII. The Soviets also dabbled in the use of rats, which resulted in a little more success. The USSR used the rats to deliver diseases behind enemy lines, with the intent of infecting the enemy soldiers, leaving them unable to fight. The Soviets used tularemia, a disease also known as rabbit fever. The rats were very effective, especially when used at the Battle of Stalingrad. The German commander had to take break from the offensive due to the disease, and around fifty percent of the German prisoners captured after the battle were suffering from tularemia.
The rats weren’t entirely successful, however, as many of the USSR’s own men were infected by them. Also, the disease used wasn’t that strong. Immunities were easily built up against tularemia, and when treated, the disease did not spread. Many antibiotics were able to counteract the disease easily, and within a short time period ("The Weird Weaponized Animals of WWII").
The rats weren’t entirely successful, however, as many of the USSR’s own men were infected by them. Also, the disease used wasn’t that strong. Immunities were easily built up against tularemia, and when treated, the disease did not spread. Many antibiotics were able to counteract the disease easily, and within a short time period ("The Weird Weaponized Animals of WWII").
Citations
"The Weird Weaponized Animals Of WWII | Mysterious Universe."Mysterious Universe. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 May 2016. <http://mysteriousuniverse.org/2014/04/the-weird-weaponized-animals-of-wwii/>.
"The Weird Weaponized Animals Of WWII | Mysterious Universe."Mysterious Universe. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 May 2016. <http://mysteriousuniverse.org/2014/04/the-weird-weaponized-animals-of-wwii/>.