Animals of war – The Dickin Medal

There has always been a special bond between humans and animals, this is even greater now with a rise in therapy and emotional support animals. 

These unsung heroes have also played a huge part in conflicts throughout the world and history. As we come up to Remembrance Sunday where we honour our fallen let us take a moment to also honour the animals that have contributed so much.

The PDSA Dickin Medal is the highest award any animal can receive whilst serving in military conflict. It is recognised as the animals’ Victoria Cross and was instituted in 1943 by PDSA’s founder Maria Dickin CBE.  It acknowledges outstanding acts of bravery or devotion to duty displayed by animals serving with Armed Forces or Civil Defence units in any theatre of war throughout the world.

There have been 75 official awards of the Dickin Medal, with one additional honorary medal. These awards have been given to 38 dogs, 32 messenger pigeons, 4 horses, and 1 cat. 

The Honorary PDSA Dickin Medal was awarded to War Horse Warrior to honour all the animals that served in the First World War.  Their contribution to the Great War predates the institution of the PDSA Dickin Medal  and the Honorary medal is a unique award designed to recognise the role that ASS animals played during this time.

To read the full list of recipients and their amazing bravery and commitment to their handlers please go to https://www.pdsa.org.uk/what-we-do/animal-awards-programme/pdsa-dickin-medal

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