Mules: The Unsung Heroes of World War I

Mules, often the subject of jokes, were in reality indispensable animals that played a critical role in the logistical and operational success of armies during World War I. Their unique hybrid nature, combining the strength of a horse with the hardiness of a donkey, made them exceptionally suited for the brutal demands of wartime. A prominent British general acknowledged their immense value, stating, “Great as has been the success of the American gun horse, still greater, though perhaps less appreciated, have been the war qualities of the American mule… probably the most serviceable and satisfactory animal used in the war.” This sentiment underscores the often-overlooked significance of these creatures in the conflict.

The American Mule in Global Conflict

Prior to World War I, many in Britain had little direct experience with mules. However, by the war’s end, their contribution was undeniable. The British army, which had limited mule resources at the outset, ultimately purchased a staggering 275,097 mules from North America. The majority of these were sourced from the United States, with dealers in Missouri, Kansas, Tennessee, Texas, Alabama, and Georgia supplying these essential animals. Even the Southern states, reliant on mules for their cotton fields, saw farmers capitalize on the wartime demand, selling their animals for favorable prices.

The selection criteria for these war animals were stringent. Pack mules needed to be sturdy, well-boned, and weigh between 800 and 900 pounds, standing 14 to 14.3 hands high. Draft mules were required to be taller, at 15.1 hands, and weigh approximately 1000 pounds. Notably, light gray or white mules were generally excluded due to their visibility to the enemy, a concern that would echo in later conflicts.

Mules in the American Expeditionary Forces

The U.S. Army also relied heavily on mules, employing them in diverse roles. In Europe, the American Expeditionary Forces utilized 52,137 draft mules and 9,240 pack mules. While some of these were acquired from France and Spain, the majority originated from the United States. The logistical challenges of transporting animals across the Atlantic meant that many mules already in Europe, even those purchased by Allied nations, were eventually utilized by American forces. The urgency to deploy troops meant that the transport of draft animals was often deferred, leading to significant shortages. By the summer of 1918, an additional 16,500 mules had to be shipped to Europe, with some arriving only after the Armistice.

The specific requirements for American mules varied by role. Wheel mules, those closest to the equipment they pulled, were the largest, standing 15.3 to 16.2 hands and weighing around 1,250 pounds. Lead mules were slightly smaller, while pack mules, favored for their easier load-bearing capabilities, ranged from 14.2 to 15.2 hands and weighed between 950 to 1,150 pounds.

The Demands of the Battlefield

The battlefield presented extreme challenges for these animals. Trench warfare, with its churned-up earth and constant shelling, made movement treacherous. Roads, often the only stable ground, became congested and easily blocked by disabled vehicles. Mules often had to navigate shell holes filled with deep mud and water, risking drowning. Moving artillery and supplies required animals to traverse the front lines, often under fire. Resupply operations frequently occurred at night, without lights, increasing the danger.

Pack mules, carrying approximately one-third of their body weight, were crucial for transporting supplies to the front trenches. A standard cargo pack saddle weighed about 100 pounds, meaning a mule could carry roughly 200 pounds of additional supplies, such as heavy artillery shells or machine-gun ammunition. These loads had to be meticulously balanced to avoid overburdening the animal.

Expert Handlers and Specialized Equipment

The effective use of mules required skilled handlers, known as muleteers or “mule skinners.” These individuals were responsible for expertly balancing loads on pack saddles and tying complex knots. The Daly Aparejo pack saddle, favored during the war, was a carefully constructed wooden base that draped over the mule’s back, padded to prevent chafing. Over time, the saddle would conform to the specific mule it was used on, becoming a personalized fit.

Highly trained mules, known as “bell sharps,” would even line up in front of their own saddles without restraint, guided by the bell worn by a lead mare. This deference to horses, particularly mares, was a natural aspect of equine herd dynamics. The loss of a lead mare could deeply disconcert these well-trained animals.

Daily Life and Enduring Hardships

Caring for mules was a round-the-clock commitment. Mules were typically grazed on lead lines when possible, as fresh grass was the best sustenance. If grass was unavailable, hay or forage was provided, along with grain. Each mule carried its own food rations. Grooming was essential, with army regulations specifying morning and evening care. However, the constant mud and damp conditions of winter made meticulous grooming difficult, leading to skin diseases, although mules were generally more resistant than horses.

Clipping the mules’ winter coats to help detect lice and remove mud paradoxically left them vulnerable to the cold, necessitating blanketing. Shortages sometimes led to mules chewing or even eating their blankets. The practice of clipping was eventually revised due to its detrimental effects on the animals’ health.

Picket lines, ropes strung at ground level, were commonly used to secure animals when stables were unavailable. Constant monitoring was required to prevent mules from stealing each other’s rations, keep blankets in order, and ensure no animals were injured. Rope burns were common, and the damp, dirty environment could turn minor abrasions into serious wounds. Mules also faced the threat of poison gas attacks, which could prove fatal or contaminate their rations. Gas masks were developed but proved impractical, hindering the animals’ ability to breathe sufficiently for even slow movement. In the event of a gas attack, the standard procedure was to release the animals, hoping they could evade the drifting clouds.

Unwavering Stamina and Recognition

Despite the grueling conditions, the exceptional stamina and robust constitution of the mule allowed them to endure. Animals sometimes worked for 24, 48, or even 72 hours without unharnessing or significant breaks. Many succumbed to exhaustion and malnutrition.

In a humorous piece published three years after the war, The Quartermaster Review solicited entries for a contest to award a medal to a distinguished army mule, acknowledging that other animals like pigeons, dogs, and horses had received such honors. Sadly, no entries were received, and the medal was never awarded, leaving the significant contributions of these four-legged service members largely unacknowledged.