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RAF fox mascot with pilot, WW1
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RAF fox mascot with pilot, WW1
The fox mascot of an RAF squadron with a pilot on the Western Front in France during World War One. Apparently the fox was fond of flying. Date: circa 1916
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Media ID 14135036
© Mary Evans Picture Library/Pump Park Photography
Airfield Cockpit Mascot Pilot Squadron Wild
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This evocative photograph captures the unique bond between man and beast during the tumultuous days of the First World War. Circa 1916, in the heart of the Western Front in France, an RAF squadron's mascot, a fox, is seen sharing an intimate moment with its pilot. The fox, with its keen eyes and alert demeanor, appears to be intently observing the pilot as he prepares for a mission. The pilot, in turn, seems to have developed a deep affection for his wild companion, cradling the fox gently in his arms. The RAF, or Royal Flying Corps as it was then known, played a pivotal role in the war effort, providing air support to the British Army. Animals, including foxes, were often adopted as mascots by squadrons to boost morale and bring a sense of comfort and familiarity to the harsh realities of the battlefield. The presence of the fox in the cockpit is a testament to the unusual friendship that had developed between man and animal. It is said that the fox was particularly fond of flying and would often accompany the pilots on their sorties, providing a sense of companionship and distraction from the horrors of war. This photograph offers a rare glimpse into the human-animal bond that existed during the Great War, a poignant reminder of the unique relationships that can form even in the most challenging of circumstances.
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