Farming families who had horses requisitioned for use in World War One are being urged to help producers of a new Channel 4 documentary.
Bristol-based Testimony Films is appealing for family stories of this equine ‘call-up’ for a program looking at the true stories of horses sent to the front line from among the nearly half a million privately-owned animals recruited for war service.
"Farmers were the most affected and without their horses to help, many farms struggled to make ends meet," said a Testimony Films spokesperson.
"Shire horses were taken away from farms and sent to the front line to help our troops – unfortunately, only about 50,000 came back."
The documentary is being filmed in December and into January as Steven Spielberg prepares to release his latest film ‘War Horse’, based on Michael Morpurgo’s novel, which was subsequently turned into an award-winning play.
"We are looking for anyone whose families had horses requisitioned during World War One. If you know that some of your family’s horses were summoned to the front line, we would love to hear from you," said the spokesperson.
If you have stories to share, please contact Devika Raman by telephone: 01179258589, email devika.raman@testimonyfilms.com or write to War Horses Appeal, Testimony Films, 12 Great George Street, Bristol BS1 5RH.