Description
War Rabbits.
150 A5 pages, soft back, illustrated. 1st edition 2018.
The Nation Needs More Rabbits. At the onset of the War younger rabbit fanciers enlisted. Older fanciers struggled to keep rabbit shows going, and started breeding rabbits for meat. As German U-boats sank merchant ships, home food production had to increase, and the Government promoted rabbit breeding. The Food Production Department joined with fanciers in the National Rabbit Scheme, and a Rabbit Club was set up at Buckingham Palace. Not all went well. Rabbit food was scarce as oats and hay went to feed Army horses in France. Many rabbits died when fed on greens alone. Some feared exhibition rabbits would be commandeered for food under the Defence of the Realm Act. Soldier-fanciers kept in touch with their hobby from the Front, and rabbits served as mascots in the Armed Forces. Australian rabbits also served – as dinner for the troops. This is the story of the rabbits of the First World War.
