Give a brief account of the Battle of the Cowshed and Snowball’s role in it.

• Early October when corn had been harvested.
• Pigeous warn of the arrival of Jones and his men and half a dozen others from Foxwood and Pinchfield.
• Men were armed with sticks… Jones in the lead with a gun.
• Animals had anticipated that the men would attempt to recapture the farm.
• Snowball was in charge of defence… he had studied Julius Caesar’s Campaigns and employed similar tactics.
• First attack by birds (pigeons and Geese) – was meant to create disorder… the men beat them off easily.
• Second line of attack Muriel, Benjamin and all the sheep led by Snowball rushed forward – prodded and butted the men. Again, the men were too strong.
• At a signal from Snowball all the animals retreated. The men followed shouting in triumph. It was an ambush. As soon as the men entered the yard the three horses, three cows and rest of the pigs that were lying in wait emerged – cut off their retreat.
• Snowball personally attacked Jones – Jones fired wounding Snowball and killing a sheep.
• Boxer reared up and struck a stable boy with his hooves – the boy fell motionless.
• Every animal participated in the attack – even the cat.
• Within 5 minutes the men were driven off
• The animals reassembled in excitement – raised the flag – sang ‘Beasts of England’ many times.
• The sheep that had been killed was given a solemn funeral. Snowball made a speech at the graveside
• Two military decorations created –Animal Hero, First Class…. awarded to Snowball and Boxer

Animal Hero, Second Class… conferred posthumously on dead sheep.

• Animals unanimously decided to call the battle ‘The battle of the Cowshed’ as that was where the ambush had been sprung.