War-service animals honoured

Horses and mules are among the animals who feature in the exhibition. This photograph, which is part of the exhibition, shows a Marine Corps dog handler comforting his German shepherd while he's being X-rayed. The dog was shot by a Japanese sniper on Bougainville Island in Papua New Guinea and later died of his injuries.

The exhibition at the museum, in New Orleans, Louisiana, is under way and runs until October 17.

Entitled "Loyal Forces: The Animals of World War 2", it focuses on the animals employed and encountered throughout the war.

Life-size horses and mules, harnessed in authentic World War 2 saddles and equipment, along with life-size mannequins, dressed in authentic military gear, demonstrate the unique impression made by military animals and their masters.

Animals were appreciated for their labour and love, but not all were shown humane treatment when their usefulness was at an end.

The exhibit focuses on each different animal's specific usefulness and role within a campaign.

The display includes an American Coast Guard horse and horseman, with artifacts from the home front and civil defence organisation.

A German horse and reconnaissance soldier depicts the European theatre of operations and the reliance of German forces on horses for several aspects of the war.

Pigeons and their varied equipment used in Europe, and to cross the English Channel, are also featured.

A large part of the exhibit is dedicated to war dogs, including a look inside a veterinary clinic in the Pacific Islands. Finally, mules in the jungles of Burma and their ability to handle strenuous workloads and conditions are also acknowledged.

The museum tells the story of the American experience in the war. It was dedicated in 2000 as the National D-Day Museum, but is now designated by Congress as the country's official museum of World War 2.

The museum has begun a $300 million expansion.