As remembrance day approaches, we asked the wonderful people at Murphy’s Army Purple Poppy to tell us a bit about their campaign to recognise all service animals. Here’s what they had to say.
Guest Writer: Murphy’s Army Purple Poppy
Our charity was formed in 2016 to pay tribute to all animals lost in service and to those who serve us today. The Purple Poppy has long been a symbol of remembrance for animals lost in service but until recently was much less well known than the red poppy. The aim of our campaign is to give the Purple Poppy its rightful recognition, and thus ensure the animals who served and continue to serve are not forgotten.
We help across all services including Police, Prison, Fire, Border Force and the Military and because we are entirely volunteer run every penny of profits raised from our efforts directly benefit our chosen and very worthy recipients. To date we have raised nearly £250,000 to help retired service animals in need.
Our 2025 campaign is underway and we are delighted to partner with three very special charities this year, Barnsbury Horses, Service Dogs UK and Tired Paws Foundation.
We hope you have had the chance to visit Oaklands Park and have seen our remembrance bench which is situated next to the National Police Dog Memorial (pictured above). One of our Murphy’s Army supporters will be placing a Murphy’s Army Purple Poppy wreath on the memorial at 1100hrs on Remembrance Day and will be accompanied by some of the Service Dogs UK in training and a representative of Essex Retired Police Dogs Fund. Please pop along if you’re in the area.
Murphy’s Army Purple Poppy Campaign is no way connected to or affiliated with the RBL or its poppy appeal.
To find out more about our charity please visit our website ‘They also served’ here
On the 11 November 2026 at 10:30am there will be an informal remembrance service, to honour the fallen animals lost in wars, and a Murphy’s Army Purple Poppy wreath will be placed by the K9 memorial.
Location: the memorial sits on the front lawn near the main entrance at Oaklands PARK, Moulsham Street, Chelmsford, CM2 OJJ.
