The Dickin Medal is the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross. It is the highest honor a military animal can receive.
It is a large bronze medallion inscribed with the words “For Gallantry” and “We Also Serve” in a laurel wreath. The ribbon has green, dark brown, and sky blue stripes which represent water, earth, and air for the naval, land and air forces of the British military.
The medal is named after Maria Dickin, who founded the PDSA in 1943. It is the highest honor any animal can receive while serving the British military in conflict.
To date, the award has been bestowed upon 34 dogs, 32 WWII messenger pigeons, 4 horses and one cat.
Rip the terrier received the Dickin Medal in 1945 for locating people trapped under rubble during the Blitz, saving over 100 lives.
OK – there are a few good ones.
What did the cat do?
Just asking.
For a friend.
The cat was confined to the house for the entire duration of the blitz and never clawed the furniture, not even once.
Not a real cat then.
Simon, official pest control of the HMS Amythest. Kept limited rations free of rats, survived enemy fire, including an explosion, and reportedly kept morale high.
No emus?
Somehow, I am not surprised.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simon_(cat)
Some cat, indeed.
Lost my owner last week. I was her human.
Sorry for your loss, Les. I’m sure your mistress had a good life with her devoted servant.