“Why the Purple Poppy Matters: Honouring the Animals of Service and Sacrifice”

Why the Purple Poppy Matters | Remembering Service Animals

Discover the meaning of the Purple Poppy — a tribute to the animals who served in war and with today’s forces. Read their story with Oaths of Allegiance.

🕊️ Why the Purple Poppy Matters

Every November, the familiar red poppy reminds us of human sacrifice in war — but the Purple Poppy honours another group of heroes: the animals who served alongside humans. It symbolises loyalty, endurance, and the shared cost of service.

🐴 The Forgotten Heroes of the Battlefield

From the trenches of Flanders to the deserts of North Africa, horses, donkeys, camels and mules carried soldiers, weapons and supplies through unimaginable hardship. More than eight million animals served in the First World War alone. Their strength and courage saved countless lives.

Our Flanders Forged War Horse piece is a handcrafted tribute to those animals — a reminder of their loyalty and sacrifice.

🐕 Loyal Companions in Uniform

Dogs have served faithfully for generations — as messengers, guards and rescuers. Today, military working dogs, police dogs and fire and rescue dogs continue that proud tradition, protecting lives and standing beside their handlers in every situation.

Our Flanders Forged Working Military Dog design celebrates these modern heroes and the bond between handler and companion.

🕊️ Still Serving Today

The Purple Poppy also represents animals who still serve:

• Horses on Royal Parades, symbols of dignity and tradition.

• Sniffer dogs protecting communities from danger.

• Medical assistance animals supporting veterans and people living with trauma or disability.

These animals show quiet bravery every day — and remembrance ensures their service is never forgotten. Wonderful organisations such as Murphy's Army Purple Poppy Campaign

and Hero paws - Life AFTER service

work tirelessly to fundraise and support these animals - please check them out and support them as well if you can. Here at Oaths of Allegiance, we will be making a donation to each of these charities for every War Horse or Working Dog Remembrance item sold before 11 November 2025.

💜 Wearing the Purple Poppy

Wearing a Purple Poppy doesn’t replace the red one; it complements it. Together they honour every life given in service, human and animal alike.

⚒️ A Lasting Tribute from Oaths of Allegiance

At Oaths of Allegiance, we create handmade, MOD-licensed, veteran-made gifts that carry meaning and respect.Our Flanders Forged War Horse and Working Military Dog pieces honour the animals who served — strong, loyal and unspoken heroes of both past and present.

👉 Discover the collection: Flanders Forged Collection ➜https://www.oathsofallegiance.co.uk/product-page/flanders-forged