A naval cat who fought alongside her shipmates-a grateful goose who stood sentry duty-a terrier who won a medal from Queen Victoria for his courage in battle-These and many other animals form a proud company indeed. Pigeons, eagles, lions, wildcats, cows, pigs and ponies all had one thing in common, that they were the well-loved pets of military units from the time of ancient Egypt down to the present day. Often they also earned their masters' respect for extraordinary courage and devotion to duty.Mascots tells the true stories of some of the most remarkable of such animals and their adventures in war and peace. Most of them were companions to lonely men away from home in foreign lands or in camps or at sea. Some of them saved their masters' lives, fighting for them in battle. Many became as much a part of the spirit and tradition of a regiment or crew as names of victories blazoned on flags, campaign medals, or special music played by bands.To make their histories even more memorable here, the many remarkable drawings are full of the vigorous action of the stories. The dramatic detail in which they portray the animals shows that they, like the text, have grown out of much careful research.

Mascots was first published in 1954.