Coburg West Primary School students learn about the role of dogs during World War I

THE “dogs of war” visited a primary school in Melbourne’s north west to teach youngsters how man’s four-legged friends helped the Anzacs.

Henry, Ayda, Mason Gasowski with Bullet the messenger dog, Eliza Lou and Ethan took part in an innovative show about the Anzacs. Picture: Josie Hayden

THE “dogs of war” came to the Coburg West Primary School last week to teach youngsters how man’s four-legged friends helped Anzac soldiers.

Students saw a travelling puppet roadshow called Messenger Dogs – Tales of World War One, which tells the story about three dogs carrying vital messages from headquarters to the frontline during the war.

Assistant principal Lorraine Edwards said it was important for children to understand history and events affecting Australia and the wider world, including the role of animals during WWI.

“The children are learning about the important role animals played in war; these dogs were messengers in the trenches, scouts trained to work with foot patrols, mascots and sentries,” she said.

“The time frame of the play fits in with our centenary celebration; the school was built during WWI and opened at the end of the war in 1917.”

The school wanted students to understand Australian and global history, including the part Australia played during the war, she said.

She said 130 students from grades three and four saw the puppet show over three sessions then discussed the issue in the classroom.

State Veterans Minister John Eren met about 45 of the 130 grade three and four students who attended the puppet show last week.

MORELAND ANZAC DAY SERVICES

Coburg

There will be a service at the Coburg RSL sub-branch at 323-325 Sydney Rd, Coburg, on April 25, 10.30am featuring the 4/19th band. A two course lunch for $20 will be served afterwards.

PASCOE VALE

The Pascoe Vale RSL sub-branch will hold a dawn service on April 25 in the car park at 40 Cumberland Rd followed by a gunfire breakfast for a gold coin donation. The sub-branch will also hold a commemorative march on April 30 starting at the corner of Cumberland Rd and Olive Grove.

FAWKNER

The Fawkner RSL sub-branch will hold a dawn service on April 25 at 135 Lorne St at 6am. A barbecue breakfast will be served afterwards.

GLENROY

The Glenroy RSL sub-branch will hold a dawn service at 186 Glenroy Rd on April 25, 7.30am. It will be followed by a gunfire breakfast for a gold coin donation.