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Posted: 19th December 2013

Victoria Cross for animals celebrates 70th year
Seventy years of brave, devoted animals honoured

Tribute is being paid this week to the 70th anniversary of the PDSA Dickin Medal – the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross – which honours gallantry in the face of military conflict.

In December 1943, 70 years ago this month, the first ever medals were presented by the PDSA's founder, Maria Dickin CBE. Since then, the medal has been awarded to 64 animals for bravery and devotion to duty.

This week these life-saving animals are honoured by the Royal Army Veterinary Corps (RAVC), prominent animal-lovers and the family of a fallen serviceman, whose dog was posthumously recognised with the award.

Jan McLoughlin, the PDSA's director general, said: “PDSA's founder, Maria Dickin CBE, instituted the PDSA Dickin Medal to recognise the vital role animals were playing during World War Two.

“Seventy years later, the medal continues to honour animals in war, and although the nature of the conflict has changed, the courage and devotion shown by animals remains the same. Each remarkable story demonstrates just how much animals help their human friends.”

Most recently the award was given posthumously to springer spaniel, Theo, in October 2012. While working with the army in Afghanistan, Theo broke records with 14 confirmed finds of weapons, improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and bomb-making equipment. Just hours after his handler Lance Corporal Liam Tasker was killed by enemy fire in March 2011, Theo died of a seizure.

Jane Duffy, mother of the late Lance Corporal Tasker, said: “To the men and women whose lives are at risk day in, day out, these animals are trusted comrades that can mean the difference between life and death.”

To date, half of the medals that have been awarded, have been awarded to an often misunderstood recipient; the pigeon. Indeed, the first Dickin Medals ever to be presented were given to three humble pigeons – White Vision, Winkie and Tyke. In total, 29 other medals have been awarded to pigeons for their life-saving work relaying vital messages from the front line. Since then, the medal has been awarded to 28 dogs, 1 cat and 3 horses.

Commenting on the medal, broadcaster and writer Denise Richardson said: “It is vital that the gallantry of animals serving with the forces is recognised, as well as that of our brave servicemen and women. Together they make a formidable team and the bond between animal and handler is wondrous to behold.”

The Dickin Medal is a large, bronze medallion bearing the words “For Gallantry” and “We also Serve” within a laurel wreath. The ribbon is striped green, dark brown and pale blue to represent water, earth and air, symbolising the naval, land and air forces.

Images courtesy of PDSA.
Headline: Winkie the pigeon with PDSA founder Maria Dickin and Wing Commander Lea Rayner.
Above: The PDSA Dickin Medal.




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