Brave dog receives PDSA Dickin Medal

On 24 February 2010, in a special ceremony held at the Imperial War Museum, London, PDSA Patron, HRH Princess Alexandra, the Hon. Lady Ogilvy, KG, GCVO, presented a PDSA Dickin Medal – recognised worldwide as the animals’ Victoria Cross – to Treo, a Military Working Dog.

 

The PDSA Dickin Medal is the highest award any animal can receive in recognition of conspicuous gallantry or devotion to duty while serving in military conflict.

 

Arms and Explosives Search dog, Treo, was accompanied at the ceremony by his handler, Sergeant Dave Heyhoe. The pair have worked together for five years.

 

In August 2008, Treo located a ‘daisy chain’ improvised explosive device (IED), carefully concealed by the Taliban, on a roadside regularly used by soldiers. The ‘daisy chain’ of munitions (two or more explosive devices wired together) is detonated by a single signal but capable of causing maximum devastation. Treo, in lead position, located the IED, preventing deaths and horrendous injuries. The device was booby-trapped to initiate as the Infantrymen passed.

 

On 3 and 4 September 2008, Treo once again located an IED, saving 7 Platoon, The Royal Irish Regiment, from guaranteed casualties. Again in lead position, the dog successfully identified the device and saved the lives of soldiers and civilians alike.

 

“Treo is a very special dog,” said Sergeant Dave Heyhoe. “There’s a reason why I call him ‘my boy’; it’s because I feel safe when he is by my side and I know he has saved my life many times over. During the six months we spent in Helmand Province the challenge was unrelenting but Treo did not waver from his duties for a second. He’s a true soldier friend.”

 

Commenting on the award, PDSA Chairman Michael Bolton said: “We are proud to honour Treo with the PDSA Dickin Medal, the animals’ Victoria Cross, for his gallantry in saving countless human lives. He continued with his duties irrespective of the dangers that faced him and in the process saved many, many lives.” 

 

Treo’s award brings the total number of PDSA Dickin Medals presented to animals for their wartime heroism to 63. Since its introduction by PDSA founder, Maria Dickin CBE, in 1943, the PDSA Dickin Medal has now been awarded to 27 dogs, 32 WWII messenger pigeons, three horses and one cat. 

 

Read more at the BBC website, where you can also watch a video of Treo in action