During the Second World War (1939-45), PDSA's founder
Maria Dickin CBE. was aware of incredible bravery displayed by animals on active service and the Home Front. Inspired by the animals’ devotion to man and duty, she introduced a special medal specifically for animals in war.
The PDSA Dickin Medal, recognised as the animals’ Victoria Cross, is awarded to animals displaying conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty while serving or associated with any branch of the Armed Forces or Civil Defence Units.
The Medal, can only be considered on receipt of an official recommendation, was awarded 54 times between 1943 and 1949. The recipients comprised 32
pigeons, 18
dogs, three
horses and one
cat.
In October 2000 a Canadian dog called Gander was added to the Roll of Honour. Since then, a further six PDSA Dickin Medals have been awarded and all to dogs. In February 2007, to recognise gallantry in two areas of military conflict: to Royal Army Veterinary explosives search dog
Sadie for her life- saving action in Afghanistan and a posthumous award to RAF Police dog
Lucky on behalf of all his canine colleagues who served as an effective anti-terrorist force between 1949 to ’52 during the Malaya Campaign.
The Dickin Medal is a large, bronze medallion bearing the words “For Gallantry” and “We Also Serve” all within a laurel wreath. The ribbon is striped green, dark brown and pale blue representing water, earth and air to symbolise the naval, military, civil defence and air forces.
Sixty-two PDSA Dickin Medals have been awarded to date. The citations on the following Roll of Honour are a moving and unique insight into the role animals play in the service of man in times of war.
The
citations on the following Roll Of Honour are a moving and unique insight into the role animals have played in the service of man in a time of war.
