Friday, August 26, 2011

Dickin Medal for Valour

Dickin Medal
  The Dickin Medal is awarded by Peoples Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA).  It is a medal for valour on the battlefield.  Most of the recipients have been pigeons or dogs, but one cat and one horse have been awarded the medal as well.  Here are a few of their stories.
  White Vision, a pigeon, was awarded the medal during World War Two for assisting in the rescue of an aircrew who had to ditch their plane at sea.
  Judy, was a ship's dog during World War Two, she helped save the crew of HMS Grasshopper after it was sunk by the Japanese; she further helped those men in the POW camp, and was the only animal registered as a Prisoner of War.  She survived even after the Japanese sentenced her to death in Sumatra, she returned to England after the war.
  Rob, a dog served with the Special Air Services (British Special Forces) in North Africa during World War Two, Rob made over 20 parachutes jumps, just doing her job!
  Rip, a mongrel terrier, became the Air Raid Warden Services' first search and rescue dog.  Just by doing what he loved, Rip saved the lives of over 100 people, he is one of 12 dogs to be buried in the PDSA's cemetery.
A pigeon similar to White Vision
Judy, at work
Rob, being honored
Rip, at work

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