Tri

Loyal, brave, dutiful, cautious

Tri is a young English farm dog torn from his home and sent to the battlefields of Europe in spring of 1918, late in The Great War. He was a donation to the war effort from his master and after being trained to carry messages for the army, he is shipped across the English Channel to France. There, alongside his companion dogs, he has the dangerous task of running vital communication through trenches and across no-man's land. He does not enjoy his job despite being good at what he does, and would much rather be back at his farm. They all try to keep the faith, but the idea of ever returning home seems like impossible dream, and every day hope is harder to find...

Ginger

Optimistic, protective, fearless, reckless, adrenaline junkie

Ginger was sent to the Shoeburyness military dog training school from his home in northern England in early 1918. His master thought Ginger was a bit of a "problem dog" and hoped that the army would have better use of him than he did - Ginger wasn't suited for quiet village life and would often get into trouble. The open, endless landscapes and the ceaseless clamour and buzz he found at the school were a new world, one that he fell in love in instantly. After completing his training he was sent to France to become a messenger dog and help the war effort. Ginger thrived in the new environment and was often chosen to run the most risky missions, due to his fearlessness and complete disregard for danger. He loves the thrill of his work and his optimism seems endless, even in the face of the horrible conditions of the trenches and the dangers of no-man's land. Ginger eventually shares his handler with Tri and Nell, and the three become close companions through the course of the war.

Nell

Smart, stern, thoughtful, impatient

Nell is the oldest and most experienced dog of the unit and has began her service as a messenger dog of The Great War in early 1917. She originally came from the English Midlands, where she used to work as a sheep dog. After her master could no longer care for his animals, Nell was donated to the war effort. He was certain her quick wit and speed would be a great asset to the army, and he was right. Nell soon earns an almost legendary reputation: she's known to never fail a mission and to always stay calm and focused in the face of danger. She faces tough obstacles, but not even barbed wire can stop her. While Nell is the most respected dog of her unit, she is not known to be particularly friendly and she keeps her emotions and thoughts strictly to herself. Sharing a handler with the chatty and animated Ginger is trying for her at times... But something about the young, cautious dog Tri catches her attention and she becomes his mentor. Beyond the tough exterior Nell is deeply loyal and would sacrifice herself to protect her companions without a second thought.

Bat

Fearful, dutiful, friendly, indecisive

Bat used to be a family dog, but was surrendered to the Shoeburyness military dog training school by his owners after they couldn't afford to keep him any more. He is not made for the military life and struggled to adjust to his new surroundings, but Tri, who arrived on the same day as him, became his first and best friend. Thanks to Tri, Bat managed to get through the school's tough messenger dog training regime and was sent across the Channel to join the war in spring of 1918. However, he and Tri were assigned to different handlers and were separated once they arrived in France. Now on his own without the reassurance of his friend, Bat became fearful and nervous once again. Unlike Tri, Bat knew that whatever they were being trained to do at the school, it was with the intent to send them to a brutal place far away, where the humans were fighting a great fight that had torn apart the land itself. He struggles to carry out his messenger dog duties, but tries his best in the hopes that perhaps he will be taken back home again if he can only survive for long enough.

Sprint

Intelligent, friendly, talkative, fearless, laid-back

Sprint was found by some Tommies as a lonely, lost pup in a French village and taken in by the troops. Eventually she began serving as their resident rat-catcher, as well as their mascot. Life in the war is all she has ever known. Sprint is the smallest, scruffiest dog around and no one really knows what breed she is supposed to be (but there's probably a good amount of schnauzer in her). She is the most quirky and hyper-active dog Tri has ever met - she wasn't named Sprint for nothing - though, she is also undoubtedly the most intelligent dog he's ever met too. She has a near photographic memory and an unmatched attention to detail. Sprint talks non-stop, is very friendly and always notices everything about everyone. Thought you might hide something from her? Think again.

Aaron Fredericks

Kind, firm, thoughtful, brave

A young man from Dover, Kent. He cares deeply for his dogs and takes his charge very seriously. He’s intelligent, thoughtful and empathetic, but doesn’t talk that much.
Aaron joined the Royal Engineers in mid-1915 (aged 19). He used to work as a farmhand just outside Dover and is rather fond of physical labour; “it makes you useful”, he’ll say. He chose the RE because he likes to help, and sees the value in the work they do, even when others might not. Aaron Fredericks is known to be of “impeccable character”, which a strong sense of duty, but also of care. He looks after his friends and fellow soldiers and is always among the first to help. He’s appreciated among most.