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The Animals' VC: The Cat Among The Pigeons

The Animals' VC

The Cat Among The Pigeons

BBC Radio 4 - The Animals' VC, The Cat Among The Pigeons

The cat awarded the PDSA’s Dickin Medal for war service.

Only one cat was awarded the PDSA’s Dickin Medal for war service - captain’s cat Simon living aboard HMS Amethyst. From 2004.

Alongside the 32 messenger pigeons awarded the PDSA’s Dickin Medal for devotion to duty during wartime sits just one cat. 

Simon was the captain's cat on-board HMS Amethyst and in 1949 he became caught up in what was to become known as the "Yangtze Incident" in China. 

Dylan Winter finds out how, during the 100 days when the ship was held captive, Simon ensured himself a place in history and his medal.

Producer: Sheena Duncan

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2004.

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Factual: Pets & Animals

Dylan Winter traces the history of the PDSA Dickin Medal, the animal equivalent of the VC.

Dylan Winter traces the history of the PDSA Dickin Medal, considered to be the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross.

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