This week’s History Thread prompt: famous animals from history. 

The header features the famous baboon soldier Corporal Jackie, who served with a South African infantry regiment during the First World War. He was a pet of Private Jack Maar, who brought the monkey with him upon enlistment; his regimental commander not only allowed him, but promoted Jackie to Corporal and made him the official regimental mascot. Baboons can be fierce, violent creatures but Jackie was largely content to be a mascot, enjoying treats and attention from his human comrades. He learned the manners of a soldier, supposedly learning how to salute and stand at attention, which prompted the South Africans to dress him in a monkey-sized uniform. Jackie was also useful as a sentry who would scream alarms when German or Turkish troops approached. He survived combat in Egypt and France, being twice wounded including the loss of his leg at the Somme. Receiving a medal of valor for his injuries, Jackie survived the war and took part in a London victory parade. He returned home, dying in 1921 from complications from his wartime injury.