the Western Front 's donkey at Gallipoli was not the only animal hero that helped Australian troops during the conflit . A whole range of animals were used on the battlefields and made a significant contribution . Horses and donkeys carried wounded soldiers or equipment , while cats played a crucial rat-catcher role . Pigeons carried vital messages from the frontlines to commanders when lines were cut and runners were n't viable . Innovative soldiers would collect glow worms and put them in jars to use them as lights on the field . Even kangaroos shipped from home became companions for soldiers recuperating from their wounds .
Simpson 's donkey at Gallipoli was not the only animal hero that helped Australian troops during the conflit . A whole range of animals were used on the battlefields and made a significant contribution . Horses and donkeys carried wounded soldiers or equipment , while cats played a crucial rat-catcher role . Pigeons carried vital messages from the frontlines to commanders when lines were cut and runners were n't viable . Innovative soldiers would collect glow worms and put them in jars to use them as lights on the field . Even kangaroos shipped from home became companions for soldiers recuperating from their wounds .