Songster - Loughborough's Own War Horse

The true story of a stubborn old horse sent to France in WW1 and his friendship with Bert, a yeomanry soldier of the Leicestershire Regiment.

Songster was a chestnut gelding, too short and too old to be picked for war - but he was picked anyway.

Songster was also stubborn – and his stubbornness helped him survive the war. Unusually for an ordinary soldier’s mount, Songster was allowed to return home to England. Bert survived, too, and by good luck the pair were reunited.

Back in their hometown, Songster went to live on a local farm, where he earned his keep and never lost his quirkiness. One time he ran off to join ‘the Regiment’ when he saw them passing by the farm. Another time, he climbed the stairs of a local pub to have a pint of beer with Bert. Songster became a minor celebrity in his hometown and lived to the grand old age of forty, dying peacefully on the farm surrounded by regimental pals.

This story of enduring friendship between a young yeomanry soldier and the horse he met in August 1914 is woven with historical facts about World War One, simply and sensitively told so that children will understand about the historical event and why Songster - and Bert - were so fortunate in making it back home.

The illustrations include pictures of animals and birds for the children to spot as the story is told.

Understanding of the text is supported by literacy activities suitable for KS1 pupils but which could easily be adapted for Years 3 to 6.

The pack includes:

• The illustrated story of ‘Songster – Loughborough’s Own War Horse’ in pdf form, both with text and without
• Suggestions and some resources for lesson activities
• Colouring sheets
• A word search
• A reading game
• Powerpoints on the topic of ‘Remembrance’ and ‘Animals at War’ (see tes.com for free lesson ideas in relation to these powerpoints)
• Instructions for a craft activity for making remembrance poppies

‘I have used this lovely little book to read to the children in Forest School as they made their own wooden memorial crosses to commemorate Armistice Day.’

‘A lovely and really interesting story, written so simply and clearly. The illustrator did the story proud - lovely illustrations!’ - RR