MILITARY historian Anthony Clayton, from Farnham, has taken his first venture into animal history, exploring the often-overlooked role of mules throughout the First and Second World Wars and beyond.

Mr Clayton’s latest book ‘The Mule in Military Service’, published by the Book Guild, is an in-depth study into the use and treatment of military mules throughout various wars.

The ex-Sandhurst lecturer, now 89 years old and a resident of Ford Lane, claims that the number of animals involved in these times of conflict would have been huge, but that their story has been marred by the hardship and often unnecessary cruelty they suffered.

Often overlooked in accounts of military history, as horses and camels have a more prominent stance in military history, Mr Clayton hopes that his book will portray just how vital a part mules have played in the wars and in times of operation in the British and imperial era Indian armies.

He told The Herald: “The mule has been badly treated and its service and qualities gone largely unrecognised by history - but they have played a vital role in many a campaign, carrying ammunition, stores and even bringing back the wounded.

“They were used extensively in Burma in the Chindit columns and were vitally important in Italy during the fighting around Monte Cassino. They were also used extensively on the Western Front in the First World War, when many drowned in shell craters, not to mention their roles as logistical support in the Boer War and India.

“I’ve written about a dozen books on military and naval history, but I thought animals deserved some recognition and this is my first, and probably last, venture into animal history.”

Mr Clayton was previously a senior lecturer at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst. He has also been of service to the Territorial Army as a part-time reserve. His book, ‘The Mule in Military Service’, is available now for RRP £9.99 (ISBN: 9781912083664).