During the First World War (1914-18), the roles of horses were wide-ranging. Their contribution included carrying and pulling supplies, ammunition, artillery and even the wounded. Without these hard-working animals, the Army could not have functioned.
Photos are examples of a Bain type wagon for army use to deliver supplies (left).
These wagons were standardized designs. Many manufacturers made them over the years, including Bain. Wagon parts from one wagon manufacturing company theoretically fitted a wagon from any other company. During 1WW Bain produced 3800 wagons for the Army.
As there were not enough horses in Britain fit for Army service, large numbers had to be brought from abroad. Canada, for example, sent many thousands of mules and horses overseas.
As motorized vehicles were yet not widely used, much of the ground transport of goods was dependent upon horses. Horses were ideal for transporting goods to the front as they were able to easily navigate much of the same terrain that soldiers navigated by foot. Horses could also pull a significantly larger amount in wagons than they could have loaded upon their backs.