On International Tea Day, here’s a cute photograph of Tiny, the donkey mascot of the 26th Divisional Train, drinking tea.
“Tiny”, a small donkey, was found dying by the roadside by men of 26th Divisional Train. They took care of him and he became their mascot. “Tiny” would walk into any tent – including the officers’ mess – and help himself to any dainty lying about. As can be seen from the photo, he liked his tea from a mug, and was known to take as many as take nine mugs in succession! I hope they also treated him to ginger biscuits.
This is one of several official photos of Tiny and friends – by Ariel Varges – which can be found in the brilliant Imperial War Museum online collections. Searching ‘tea Salonika’ brings up some fascinating things!
Salonika Campaign Society, 1915-1918 