View source for Dickin Medal

{{Short description|Award for animals in wartime}}
{{Use British English|date=May 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2014}}
{{Infobox award
| name           = PDSA Dickin Medal
| current_awards =
| image          = Dickin Medal.jpg
| alt            = Bronze medal encircled in a laurel wreath and inscribed "PDSA For Gallantry We Also Serve" held from a ring suspender by a ribbon consisting of three equal vertical stripes of dark green, brown and pale blue
| caption        = The PDSA Dickin Medal (''obverse'')
| awarded_for    = Conspicuous gallantry or devotion to duty while serving in military conflict.
| presenter      = [[People's Dispensary for Sick Animals]]
| country        =  United Kingdom
| year           = {{start date and age|1943}}
| year2          =
| holder         =
| website        = [https://www.pdsa.org.uk/what-we-do/animal-awards-programme/pdsa-dickin-medal PDSA Dickin Medal]
| image2         = PDSA Dickin Medal BAR.svg
| image2_size    = 100px
| alt2           = A ribbon consisting of three equal vertical stripes of dark green, brown and pale blue
| caption2       = PDSA Dickin Medal [[service ribbon]]
}}

The '''PDSA Dickin Medal''' was instituted in 1943 in the United Kingdom by [[Maria Dickin]] to honour the work of animals in World War II. It is a bronze [[medallion]], bearing the words "For Gallantry" and "We Also Serve" within a [[laurel wreath]], carried on a ribbon of striped green, dark brown, and pale blue.<ref name="pdsa"/> It is awarded to animals that have displayed "conspicuous gallantry or devotion to duty while serving or associated with any branch of the Armed Forces or Civil Defence Units".<ref name=pdsa/> The award is commonly referred to as "the animals' [[Victoria Cross]]".<ref name="pdsa">{{cite web|url=http://www.pdsa.org.uk/about-us/animal-bravery-awards/pdsa-dickin-medal |title=PDSA Dickin Medal |publisher=PDSA |access-date=1 March 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140924092934/http://www.pdsa.org.uk/about-us/animal-bravery-awards/pdsa-dickin-medal |archive-date=24 September 2014 |df=dmy }}</ref><ref name=modtreo>{{cite web|url=http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/HistoryAndHonour/MilitarySearchDogToReceiveAnimalsVictoriaCross.htm |publisher=Ministry of Defence |date=8 February 2010 |access-date=3 March 2010 |title=Military search dog to receive animals' Victoria Cross |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100315194420/http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/HistoryAndHonour/MilitarySearchDogToReceiveAnimalsVictoriaCross.htm |archive-date=15 March 2010 |df=dmy }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/history/animals_vc.shtml | publisher = BBC Radio 4 | title = The Animals' VC | access-date = 3 March 2010 | archive-date = 24 December 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081224134635/http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/history/animals_vc.shtml | url-status = live }}</ref>

Maria Dickin was the founder of the [[People's Dispensary for Sick Animals]] (PDSA), a British [[veterinary]] charity.  She established the award for any animal displaying conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty whilst serving with [[British Empire]] armed forces or civil emergency services.  The medal was awarded 54 times between 1943 and 1949 – to 32 [[pigeons]], 18 [[dogs]], 3 [[horses]], and a [[ship's cat]] – to acknowledge actions of gallantry or devotion during the [[Second World War]] and subsequent conflicts.

The awarding of the medal was revived in 2000. In December 2007, 12 former recipients buried at the [[Ilford Animal Cemetery|PDSA Animal Cemetery]] in [[Ilford]], Essex, Greater London, were afforded full military honours at the conclusion of a [[National Lottery (United Kingdom)|National Lottery]]-aided project to restore the cemetery.<ref>{{Cite news| title =A better resting place for the animal VCs|author=Clout, Laura |work=The Daily Telegraph| date=14 December 2007|page=12}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.pdsa.org.uk/about-us/media-pr-centre/news/celebrity-to-open-animal-garden-of-remembrance | title = Celebrity to open animal Garden of Remembrance | access-date = 2 March 2010 | publisher = PDSA | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110718174301/http://www.pdsa.org.uk/about-us/media-pr-centre/news/celebrity-to-open-animal-garden-of-remembrance | archive-date = 18 July 2011 | df = dmy-all }}</ref>

{{as of|2023|January|}}, the Dickin Medal has been awarded 74 times, plus one honorary award made in 2014 to all the animals who served in the [[First World War]].<ref name="psda - medal">{{Cite web|title=PDSA Dickin Medal|work=PDSA|date=23 February 2022|access-date=23 February 2022|url=https://www.pdsa.org.uk/what-we-do/animal-awards-programme/pdsa-dickin-medal|archive-date=23 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220223154404/https://www.pdsa.org.uk/what-we-do/animal-awards-programme/pdsa-dickin-medal|url-status=live}}</ref>
{{clear}}

==Recipients==
The first recipients of the award, in December 1943, were three pigeons serving with the [[Royal Air Force]] who contributed to the recovery of aircrews from ditched aircraft.<ref name=pdsa /> The most recent recipient is Bass, a [[Belgian Shepherd|Belgian Malinois]] who served with the [[United States Marine Forces Special Operations Command|US Marine Special Operation Command]] in [[Afghanistan]].<ref name="psda - medal"/>

[[File:Rob para dog.jpg|upright|thumb|alt=A dog receiving a medal while surrounded by a number of men in military uniform|[[Rob (dog)|Rob]] the Collie, receiving his medal]]
[[File:Dickins Medal for Pigeon Royal Blue.jpg|upright|thumb|Dickin Medal and Certificate for the pigeon [[Royal Blue (pigeon)|Royal Blue]]|alt=Certificate and medal for Pigeon Royal Blue]]
[[File:Rip Dicken Medal Dog IWM D 5937.jpg|upright|thumb|alt=A dog standing in the remains of a destroyed building|[[Rip (dog)|Rip]] helped locate a number of victims of [[The Blitz]].]]
[[File:Judy hu 42990.jpg|upright|thumb|alt=A dog sitting on the deck of a ship, being spoken to by a man in a military uniform|[[Judy (dog)|Judy]] was a [[military mascot|ship's dog]] on both [[HMS Gnat (T60)|HMS ''Gnat'']] and [[HMS Grasshopper (T85)|HMS ''Grasshopper'']].]]
[[File:Pigeon William of Orange.JPG|upright|thumb|[[William of Orange (pigeon)|William of Orange]] was awarded the medal in 1945 for [[pigeon post|delivering a message]] from [[Operation Market Garden]].|alt=A pigeon, at rest, facing to the right.  It has dark feathers on its head and neck, with two dark stripes two-thirds of the way down its pale wings.]]
[[File:Airborne Assault3.JPG|thumb|upright|[[Bing (dog)|Bing]] the ParaDog displayed with his Dickin Medal at the [[Imperial War Museum Duxford]]]]
[[File:Hero Military Working Dog awarded animals Victoria Cross MOD 45167434.jpg|thumb|upright|Kuno showing his prosthetic hind leg]]
{| class="sortable plainrowheaders wikitable"
|-
! scope="col" | Recipient(s)
! scope="col" class = 'sortable"| Animal
! scope="col" | Date of award
! scope="col" class="unsortable"| Notes
! scope="col" class="unsortable"| Ref(s)
|-
! scope="row" | [[White Vision]]
| Pigeon
| {{dts|format=dmy|1943|12|2}}
| [[pigeon post|Delivered a message]] that led to the rescue of a ditched aircrew in October 1943. She flew 9 hours in bad visibility and heavy weather with strong headwinds.
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref name=cnn>{{cite news | url = http://edition.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/europe/11/24/uk.newwaranimals/index.html | publisher = CNN | date = 24 November 2004 | access-date = 27 February 2010 | title = UK honors glow worm war heroes | archive-date = 4 June 2011 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110604124215/http://edition.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/europe/11/24/uk.newwaranimals/index.html | url-status = live }}</ref><br/><ref name=bbc2>{{cite news| url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7143006.stm| title=Fitting tribute to animal heroes| first=Sarah| last=Bell| work=BBC News| access-date=27 February 2010| date=13 December 2007| archive-date=28 May 2009| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090528000551/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7143006.stm| url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last=Cleaver |first=Hylton |date=June 1951 |title=They've earned their corn |journal=Men Only |page=99 }}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" | [[Winkie (pigeon)|Winkie]]
| Pigeon
| {{dts|format=dmy|1943|12|2}}
| Delivered a message that contributed to the rescue of a ditched aircrew in February 1942.
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref name=bbc>{{cite news | url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4037873.stm | title = Animal war heroes statue unveiled | date = 24 November 2004 | access-date = 27 February 2010 | work = BBC News | archive-date = 16 February 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090216230948/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4037873.stm | url-status = live }}</ref><br/><ref name=indy>{{cite news | url = https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/this-britain/the-hero-of-the-latest-british-war-movie-is-a-pigeon-called-valiant-a-flight-of-fancy-no-its-based-on-real-life-529601.html | work = The Independent | access-date = 27 February 2010 | date = 23 March 2005 | first = Ian | last = Herbert | title = The hero of the latest British war movie is a pigeon called Valiant. A flight of fancy? No, it's based on real life | location = London | archive-date = 14 April 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090414063306/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/this-britain/the-hero-of-the-latest-british-war-movie-is-a-pigeon-called-valiant-a-flight-of-fancy-no-its-based-on-real-life-529601.html | url-status = live }}</ref><br/><ref name=iwm/>
|-
! scope="row" | [[Tyke (pigeon)|Tyke]]
| Pigeon
| {{dts|format=dmy|1943|12|2}}
|  Delivered a message that contributed to the rescue of a ditched aircrew in June 1943.
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref name=pdsapigeon>{{cite web|url=http://www.pdsa.org.uk/about-us/animal-bravery-awards/dickin-medal-pigeons |title=Dickin medal pigeons |publisher=PDSA |access-date=22 February 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100213211708/http://www.pdsa.org.uk/about-us/animal-bravery-awards/dickin-medal-pigeons |archive-date=13 February 2010 |df=dmy }}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" | [[Bob (dog)|Bob]]
| {{sort|DogMongrel|Dog}}
| {{dts|format=dmy|1944|03|24}}
| A [[mongrel]], worked on patrol at Green Hill, North Africa; served with the 6th Battalion [[Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regiment]].
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref name=iwm/>
|-
! scope="row" | [[Beach Comber]]
| Pigeon
| {{dts|format=dmy|1944|09|1}}
| Brought the first news of the [[Dieppe Raid|landings at Dieppe]] in 1942; served with the [[Canadian Forces Land Force Command|Canadian Army]].
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref name=iwm>{{cite web | url =http://archive.iwm.org.uk/upload/package/74/AnimalsWar/images/AAW_CAPTIONS.pdf | title =Animals at War captions | publisher =Imperial War Museum | access-date =27 February 2010 | url-status =dead | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20141216202240/http://archive.iwm.org.uk/upload/package/74/AnimalsWar/images/AAW_CAPTIONS.pdf | archive-date =16 December 2014 | df =dmy-all }}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" | [[Gustav (pigeon)|Gustav]]
| Pigeon
| {{dts|format=dmy|1944|09|1}}
| Brought the first message from the [[Normandy Landings|Normandy beaches]] on 6 June 1944.
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref name=indy/>
|-
! scope="row" | [[Paddy (pigeon)|Paddy]]
| Pigeon
| {{dts|format=dmy|1944|09|1}}
| Held best recorded time with a message from the [[Normandy Landings|Normandy Operations]] in June 1944.
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/more_sport/article3033257.ece | title = Top 50 greatest sporting animals | work = The Times | access-date = 27 February 2010 | date = 11 December 2007 | location = London | first = Calvin | last = Shulman | archive-date = 2 December 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081202095415/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/more_sport/article3033257.ece | url-status = dead }}</ref><br/><ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/paddy-the-pigeon-decorated-for-bravery-in-fight-against-hitler-14493979.html | work = The Belfast Telegraph | access-date = 1 March 2010 | title = Paddy the pigeon decorated for bravery in fight against Hitler | date = 16 September 2009 | archive-date = 22 September 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090922235332/http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/paddy-the-pigeon-decorated-for-bravery-in-fight-against-hitler-14493979.html | url-status = live }}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" | [[Rip (dog)|Rip]]
| {{sort|DogMongrel|Dog}}
| {{dts|1945}}
| A [[mongrel]], located many victims of the air raids of [[The Blitz]].
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref name=ilford/>
|-
! scope="row" | [[Jet of Iada|Jet]]
| {{sort|DogAlsatian|Dog}}
| {{dts|format=dmy|1945|01|12}}
| An [[German Shepherd|Alsatian]],<sup>{{anchor|ref_B}}[[#endnote B|[B]]]</sup> assisted in the rescue of people trapped under blitzed buildings; served with the [[Civil Defence Service]].
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref name=cnn/><br/><ref name=iwm/>
|-
! scope="row" | [[Crumstone Irma|Irma]]
| {{sort|DogAlsatian|Dog}}
| {{dts|format=dmy|1945|01|12}}
| An [[German Shepherd|Alsatian]],<sup>{{anchor|ref_B}}[[#endnote B|[B]]]</sup> assisted in the rescue of people trapped under blitzed buildings; served with the [[Civil Defence Service]].
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref name=cnn/><br/><ref name=indy2/>
|-
! scope="row" | [[Beauty (dog)|Beauty]]
| {{sort|DogWire|Dog}}
| {{dts|format=dmy|1945|01|12}}
| A [[Wire Fox Terrier|Wirehaired Terrier]], assisted in the location of buried air-raid victims; served with a PDSA Rescue Squad.
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref name=cnn/>
|-
! scope="row" | [[Rob (dog)|Rob]]
| {{sort|DogCollie|Dog}}
| {{dts|format=dmy|1945|01|22}}
| A [[Collie]], made over 20 parachute descents during the North African Campaign; served with the [[Special Air Service]] (SAS).<sup>{{anchor|ref_A}}[[#endnote A|[A]]]</sup>
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref name=cnn/><br/><ref name=bbc/><br/><ref name=iwm/>
|-
! scope="row" | [[Kenley Lass]]
| Pigeon
| {{dts|format=dmy|1945|March}}
| First pigeon to deliver intelligence from an agent in enemy-occupied France in October 1940; served with the [[National Pigeon Service]]. She was parachuted with the agent and released 12 days later to fly 300 miles back to home in less than 7 hours.
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref name=think>{{Cite book | title = Do animals think? | author = Clive D. L. Wynne | year = 2004 | page = [https://archive.org/details/doanimalsthink00wynn/page/153 153] | publisher = Princeton University Press | isbn = 0-691-11311-4 | url-access = registration | url = https://archive.org/details/doanimalsthink00wynn/page/153 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last=Cleaver |first=Hylton |date=June 1951 |title=They've earned their corn |journal=Men Only |page=101 }}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" | [[Navy Blue (pigeon)|Navy Blue]]
| Pigeon
| {{dts|format=dmy|1945|March}}
| Although injured, delivered a message from a raiding party in France, June 1944.
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref name=pdsapigeon/>
|-
! scope="row" | [[Flying Dutchman (pigeon)|Flying Dutchman]]
| Pigeon
| {{dts|format=dmy|1945|March}}
| Delivered three messages from agents in the Netherlands; [[missing in action]] on the fourth mission in 1944.
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref name=pdsapigeon/>
|-
! scope="row" | [[Dutch Coast]]
| Pigeon
| {{dts|format=dmy|1945|March}}
| Delivered an [[SOS]] message from a ditched aircrew 288 miles in 7.5 hours in April 1942.
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref name=iwm/>
|-
! scope="row" | [[Commando (pigeon)|Commando]]
| Pigeon
| {{dts|format=dmy|1945|March}}
| Delivered three messages from agents in occupied France; served with the [[National Pigeon Service]].
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref name=iwm/>
|-
! scope="row" | [[Royal Blue (pigeon)|Royal Blue]]
| Pigeon
| {{dts|format=dmy|1945|March}}
| First pigeon of the war to deliver a message from a forced landed aircraft on the Continent in October 1940.
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref name=pdsapigeon/>
|-
! scope="row" | [[Thorn (dog)|Thorn]]
| {{sort|DogAlsatian|Dog}}
| {{dts|format=dmy|1945|03|02}}
| An [[German Shepherd|Alsatian]],<sup>{{anchor|ref_B}}[[#endnote B|[B]]]</sup> located air-raid casualties in a burning building; served with the [[Civil Defence Service]].
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref name=pdsadogs>{{cite web|url=http://www.pdsa.org.uk/about-us/animal-bravery-awards/dickin-medal-dogs |title=Dickin medal dogs |publisher=People's Dispensary for Sick Animals |access-date=22 February 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100212182318/http://www.pdsa.org.uk/about-us/animal-bravery-awards/dickin-medal-dogs |archive-date=12 February 2010 |df=dmy }}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" | [[Rifleman Khan]]
| {{sort|DogAlsatian|Dog}}
| {{dts|format=dmy|1945|03|27}}
| An [[German Shepherd|Alsatian]],<sup>{{anchor|ref_B}}[[#endnote B|[B]]]</sup> rescued a soldier from drowning while under heavy shell fire during the assault of [[Walcheren]] in November 1944; served with the 6th Battalion [[Cameronians (Scottish Rifles)|Cameronians]].
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref name=pdsadogs/>
|-
! scope="row" | [[Rex (search and rescue dog)|Rex]]
| {{sort|DogAlsatian|Dog}}
| {{dts|format=dmy|1945|April}}
| An [[German Shepherd|Alsatian]],<sup>{{anchor|ref_B}}[[#endnote B|[B]]]</sup> located casualties in burning buildings; served with the [[Civil Defence Service]].
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref name=iwm/>
|-
! scope="row" | [[Ruhr Express (pigeon)|Ruhr Express]]
| Pigeon
| {{dts|format=dmy|1945|May}}
| Carried an important message from the [[Ruhr Pocket]] in April 1945.
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref name=pdsapigeon/>
|-
! scope="row" | [[William of Orange (pigeon)|William of Orange]]
| Pigeon
| {{dts|format=dmy|1945|May}}
| Held the record time for delivering a message from the [[Operation Market Garden|Arnhem Airborne Operation]]; served with the [[National Pigeon Service]] (Army).
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref>{{cite magazine | url = http://www2.armynet.mod.uk/linkedfilesANOpen/museums/royalsignals/relatedsites/recent_articles/shutter2003.pdf | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110316094858/http://www2.armynet.mod.uk/linkedfilesANOpen/museums/royalsignals/relatedsites/recent_articles/shutter2003.pdf | archive-date=16 March 2011 | magazine=The Shutter Telegraph  | volume=1 | issue=8 | page=2 | title = Animals at War | publisher = [[Royal Signals Museum]] | access-date = 26 September 2023 }}{{void|comment|Fabrickator|see https://www.royalsignalsmuseum.co.uk/ww1-ww2-communications/ for additional details on William of Orange }}{{cbignore}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" | [[Scotch Lass]]
| Pigeon
| {{dts|format=dmy|1945|June}}
| Brought 38 microphotographs across the [[North Sea]] from the Netherlands, despite injury, in September 1944.
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref name=pdsapigeon/>
|-
! scope="row" | [[Sheila (dog)|Sheila]]
| {{sort|DogCollie|Dog}}
| {{dts|format=dmy|1945|07|02}}
| A [[Collie]], assisted in the rescue of four American airmen lost on the [[Cheviot Hills]] in a blizzard after a crash in December 1944 (first civilian animal to be awarded).
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref name=iwm/>
|-
! scope="row" | [[Billy (pigeon)|Billy]]
| Pigeon
| {{dts|format=dmy|1945|August}}
| Delivered a message from a bomber that had been force-landed in 1942.
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref name=pdsapigeon/>
|-
! scope="row" | [[Broad Arrow (pigeon)|Broad Arrow]]
| Pigeon
| {{dts|format=dmy|1945|October}}
| Brought three important messages from the Continent in 1943; served with the [[National Pigeon Service]] (Special Section).
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref name=pdsapigeon/>
|-
! scope="row" | [[NPS.42.NS.2780]]
| Pigeon
| {{dts|format=dmy|1945|October}}
| Brought three important messages from the Continent in 1942 and 1943; served with the [[National Pigeon Service]] (Special Section).
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref name=pdsapigeon/>
|-
! scope="row" | [[NPS.42.NS.7524]]
| Pigeon
| {{dts|format=dmy|1945|October}}
| Brought three important messages from the Continent in 1942 and 1943; served with the [[National Pigeon Service]] (Special Section).
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref name=pdsapigeon/>
|-
! scope="row" | [[Maquis (pigeon)|Maquis]]
| Pigeon
| {{dts|format=dmy|1945|October}}
| Brought three important messages from the Continent from 1943 and 1944; served with the [[National Pigeon Service]] (Special Section).
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref name=pdsapigeon/>
|-
! scope="row" | [[Mary of Exeter]]
| Pigeon
| {{dts|format=dmy|1945|November}}
| Showed outstanding endurance on war service despite injury.
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref name=bbc2/><br/><ref name=iwm/>
|-
! scope="row" | [[Peter (dog)|Peter]]
| {{sort|DogCollie|Dog}}
| {{dts|format=dmy|1945|November}}
| A [[Collie]], located people trapped under blitzed buildings; served with the [[Civil Defence Service]].
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref name=cnn/><br/><ref name=indy2/>
|-
! scope="row" | [[Tommy (pigeon)|Tommy]]
| Pigeon
| {{dts|format=dmy|1946|February}}
| Delivered a message from the Netherlands to Lancashire in July 1942; served with the [[National Pigeon Service]].
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref name=pdsapigeon/>
|-
! scope="row" | [[All Alone (pigeon)|All Alone]]
| Pigeon
| {{dts|format=dmy|1946|February}}
| Delivered an important message following a flight of over 400 miles in one day in August 1943; served with the [[National Pigeon Service]].
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref name=pdsapigeon/>
|-
! scope="row" | [[Judy (dog)|Judy]]
| {{sort|DogPointer|Dog}}
| {{dts|format=dmy|1946|May}}
| A pedigree [[Pointer (dog breed)|Pointer]], helped keep morale high among fellow prisoners in a Japanese prisoner-of-war camp.
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref name=iwm/>
|-
! scope="row" | [[Princess (pigeon)|Princess]]
| Pigeon
| {{dts|format=dmy|1946|May}}
| Completed a special mission to [[Crete]], a journey of more than 500 miles over sea, with valuable information.
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref name=indy/>
|-
! scope="row" | [[Mercury (pigeon)|Mercury]]
| Pigeon
| {{dts|format=dmy|1946|August}}
| Carried out a special task involving a 480-mile flight from Northern Denmark in 1942; served with the [[National Pigeon Service]] (Special Section).
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.national-army-museum.ac.uk/exhibitions/shortVisits/animals/page17.shtml | publisher = National Army Museum | title = Catch the Pigeon | access-date = 1 March 2010 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100731121115/http://www.national-army-museum.ac.uk/exhibitions/shortVisits/animals/page17.shtml | archive-date = 31 July 2010 | df = dmy-all }}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" | [[NURP.38.BPC.6]]
| Pigeon
| {{dts|format=dmy|1946|August}}
| Made three flights in 1941; served with the [[National Pigeon Service]] (Special Section).
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref name=pdsapigeon/>
|-
! scope="row" | [[G.I. Joe (pigeon)|G.I. Joe]]
| Pigeon
| {{dts|format=dmy|1946|August}}
| Flew 20 miles in as many minutes, delivering a message that is credited with saving at least 100 lives; served with the [[United States Army Pigeon Service]].
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref name=indy/>
|-
! scope="row" | [[Punch and Judy (dogs)|Punch and Judy]]
| {{sort|DogBoxer|Dogs}}
| {{dts|format=dmy|1946|November}}
| [[Boxer (dog)|Boxers]], saved two British officers in [[Mandatory Palestine|Palestine]] by attacking a nationalist.
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref name=pdsadog>{{cite web|url=http://www.pdsa.org.uk/about-us/animal-bravery-awards/dickin-medal-dogs |publisher=PDSA |title=Dickin medal dogs |access-date=1 March 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100212182318/http://www.pdsa.org.uk/about-us/animal-bravery-awards/dickin-medal-dogs |archive-date=12 February 2010 |df=dmy }}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" | [[Cologne (pigeon)|Cologne]]
| Pigeon
| {{dts|1947}}
| [[Homing pigeon|Homed]] from a crashed aircraft over Cologne despite injury in 1943.
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref name=indy/>
|-
! scope="row" | [[Duke of Normandy (pigeon)|Duke of Normandy]]
| Pigeon
| {{dts|format=dmy|1947|01|08}}
| First bird to arrive with message from paratroops of [[21st Army Group]] on [[D Day]] (6 June 1944); served with the [[National Pigeon Service]].
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref name=iwm/>
|-
! scope="row" | [[NURP.43.CC.1418]]
| Pigeon
| {{dts|format=dmy|1947|01|08}}
| Fastest flight carrying a message from the [[6th Airborne Division (United Kingdom)|6th Airborne Division]] from Normandy, 7 June 1944; served with the [[National Pigeon Service]].
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref name=pdsapigeon/>
|-
! scope="row" | [[DD.43.T.139]]
| Pigeon
| {{dts|format=dmy|1947|February}}
| Brought message of foundered ship in the [[Huon Gulf]] in time to salvage it and its cargo; served with the [[Royal Australian Corps of Signals]].
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref name=iwm/>
|-
! scope="row" | [[DD.43.Q.879]]
| Pigeon
| {{dts|format=dmy|1947|February}}
| Only survivor of three pigeons released to warn of an impending counter-attack at [[Manus Island]]. Reached headquarters in time to extract a US Marine Corps patrol; served with the [[Royal Australian Corps of Signals]].
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref name=think/>
|-
! scope="row" | [[Ricky (dog)|Ricky]]
| {{sort|DogWelsh|Dog}}
| {{dts|format=dmy|1947|03|29}}
| A [[Welsh Sheepdog|Welsh Collie]], located mines along a canal bank at [[Nederweert]] in the Netherlands, despite being injured by one.
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref name=iwm/>
|-
! scope="row" | [[Bing (dog)|Bing]]
| {{sort|DogAlsatian|Dog}}
| {{dts|format=dmy|1947|03|29}}
| An [[German Shepherd|Alsatian]],<sup>{{anchor|ref_B}}[[#endnote B|[B]]]</sup> parachuted into Normandy with [[Parachute Regiment (United Kingdom)|13th Battalion, 6th Airborne Division]].
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref name=paradatabrian>{{cite web|title=The PDSA Dickin Medal|url=http://paradata.org.uk/articles/pdsa-dickin-medal|publisher=Paradata.org.uk|access-date=6 March 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110824014350/http://paradata.org.uk/articles/pdsa-dickin-medal|archive-date=24 August 2011|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" | [[Olga (horse)|Olga]]
| Horse
| {{dts|format=dmy|1947|04|11}}
| Controlled traffic and assisted rescue operations following a [[flying bomb]] explosion in [[Tooting]]; served with the [[Law enforcement in the United Kingdom|police]].
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref name=cnn/><br/><ref name=iwm/>
|-
! scope="row" | [[Upstart (horse)|Upstart]]
| Horse
| {{dts|format=dmy|1947|04|11}}
| Controlled traffic following a [[flying bomb]] exploding in [[Bethnal Green]]; served with the [[Law enforcement in the United Kingdom|police]].
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref name=cnn/><br/><ref name=iwm/>
|-
! scope="row" | [[Regal (horse)|Regal]]
| Horse
| {{dts|format=dmy|1947|04|11}}
| Remained calm despite being subject to stable fires in [[Muswell Hill]] caused by explosive incendiaries on two separate occasions.
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref name=cnn/><br/><ref name=iwm/>
|-
! scope="row" | [[Simon (cat)|Simon]]
| Cat
| {{dts|August 1949}}
| [[HMS Amethyst (F116)|HMS ''Amethyst'']]{{'}}s [[ship's cat]], awarded for "gallantry under fire" and for the disposal of many rats despite shrapnel injuries during the [[Yangtze Incident]] in 1949. He remains the only cat to ever receive the award. 
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref name=ilford/>
|-
! scope="row" | [[Antis (dog)|Antis]]
| {{sort|DogAlsatian|Dog}}
| {{dts|format=dmy|1949|01|28}}
| An [[German Shepherd|Alsatian]],<sup>{{anchor|ref_B}}[[#endnote B|[B]]]</sup> served with [[Václav Robert Bozděch]], a [[Czechoslovakia|Czech]] airman, in the [[French Air Force]] and in the [[No. 311 Squadron RAF|No. 311 (Czechoslovak) Squadron RAF]] in Britain, and helped his master escape after the death of [[Jan Masaryk]].
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.radio.cz/en/article/114329| publisher = Radio Prague| access-date = 3 January 2010| first = Jan| last = Velinger| title = The story of a Czech WW II airman and his remarkable dog| date = 18 March 2009| archive-date = 22 March 2009| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090322043317/http://www.radio.cz/en/article/114329| url-status = live}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" | [[Tich (dog)|Tich]]
| {{sort|DogMongrel|Dog}}
| {{dts|format=dmy|1949|07|01}}
| A [[mongrel]], awarded for courage and devotion between 1941 and 1945; served with the 1st Battalion [[King's Royal Rifle Corps]].
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref name=ilford>{{cite web | url = http://www.pdsa.org.uk/about-us/pdsa-history/ilford-animal-cemetery/ | publisher = PDSA | access-date = 27 February 2010 | title = Ilford Animal Cemetery | archive-date = 9 September 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100909082844/http://www.pdsa.org.uk/about-us/pdsa-history/ilford-animal-cemetery | url-status = live }}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" | [[Gander (dog)|Gander]]
| {{sort|DogNewfoundland|Dog}}
| {{dts|format=dmy|2000|10|27}}
| A [[Newfoundland (dog)|Newfoundland]], saved Canadian infantrymen on at least three separate occasions during the [[Battle of Hong Kong|Battle of Lye Mun]] on Hong Kong Island in December 1941; [[killed in action]] gathering a grenade.
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref name=indy2>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/this-britain/animal-vc-will-honour-ganders-dash-for-grenade-710788.html|work=The Independent|access-date=27 February 2010|date=16 August 2000|first=Terri|last=Judd|title='Animal VC' will honour Gander's dash for grenade|location=London|archive-date=19 November 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091119050052/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/this-britain/animal-vc-will-honour-ganders-dash-for-grenade-710788.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" | [[Apollo (dog)|Apollo]]
| {{sort|DogGermanShepherd|Dog}}
| {{dts|format=dmy|2002|03|05}}
| A [[German Shepherd]], received the award on behalf of all search-and-rescue dogs who assisted in the aftermath of the [[September 11 attacks]] in 2001.
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref name=wtc/>
|-
! scope="row" | [[Salty and Roselle]]
| {{sort|DogLabrador|Dogs}}
| {{dts|format=dmy|2002|03|05}}
| [[Labrador Retriever|Labrador]] [[guide dog]]s, led their blind owners down more than 70 flights of stairs to escape from the damaged [[World Trade Center (1973–2001)|World Trade Center]] in September 2001.
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref name=wtc>{{cite web|url=http://london.iwm.org.uk/upload/package/74/AnimalsWar/images/AnimalsWarPhotos.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090108200858/http://london.iwm.org.uk/upload/package/74/AnimalsWar/images/AnimalsWarPhotos.pdf|archive-date=8 January 2009|title=Life Saving|publisher=Imperial War Museum London|access-date=17 January 2009}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" | [[Sam (army dog)|Sam]]
| {{sort|DogGermanShepherd|Dog}}
| {{dts|format=dmy|2003|01|14}}
| A [[German Shepherd]], brought down an armed man and held back rioters while serving in [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]] in April 1998; served with [[The Royal Canadian Regiment]] on assignment from the [[Royal Army Veterinary Corps]].
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref>{{cite news| url = https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/4185015/Army-dog-Sam-wins-a-posthumous-VC.html| work = The Daily Telegraph| access-date = 27 February 2010| date = 20 December 2002| title = Army dog Sam wins a posthumous 'VC'| first = Graham| last = Tibbetts| location = London| archive-date = 13 November 2012| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121113150042/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/4185015/Army-dog-Sam-wins-a-posthumous-VC.html| url-status = live}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" | [[Buster (spaniel)|Buster]]
| {{sort|DogSpringer|Dog}}
| {{dts|format=dmy|2003|12|9}}
| A [[English Springer Spaniel|Springer Spaniel]], located a weapons arsenal in [[Safwan, Iraq|Safwan]], Southern Iraq in March 2003; served with the [[Duke of Wellington's Regiment]].
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref name=bbc/><br/><ref name=iwm/>
|-
! scope="row" | [[Lucky (war dog)|Lucky]]
| {{sort|DogGermanShepherd|Dog}}
| {{dts|format=dmy|2007|02|6}}
| A [[German Shepherd]], the only member of a four-dog team to survive tracking nationalists in [[British Malaya|Malaya]] from 1949 to 1952; served with the [[Royal Air Force Police]].
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/feb/24/labrador-awarded-animals-victoria-cross|work=The Guardian|access-date=27 February 2010|date=24 February 2010|first=Adam|last=Gabbatt|title=Heroic labrador awarded animals' Victoria Cross|location=London|archive-date=9 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130909132032/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/feb/24/labrador-awarded-animals-victoria-cross|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" | [[Sadie (dog)|Sadie]]
| {{sort|DogLabrador|Dog}}
| {{dts|format=dmy|2007|02|6}}
| A [[Labrador Retriever|Labrador]], detected explosive devices, which were subsequently disarmed, while serving in [[Kabul]], Afghanistan, in November 2005; served with the [[Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Regiment]].
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref>{{cite news | url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_6330000/newsid_6333000/6333087.stm | title = In pictures: Sadie the hero dog gets a medal | date = 6 February 2007 | access-date = 27 February 2010 | publisher = BBC | archive-date = 1 February 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080201231839/http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_6330000/newsid_6333000/6333087.stm | url-status = live }}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" | [[Treo (dog)|Treo]]
| {{sort|DogLabrador|Dog}}
| {{dts|format=dmy|2010|02|24}}
| A [[Labrador Retriever|Labrador]]-[[English Springer Spaniel|Spaniel]] crossbreed, located [[improvised explosive device]]s while serving in [[Helmand Province]], Afghanistan in August and September 2008; served with [[Royal Army Veterinary Corps]].
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref>{{Cite book|title=It's All About Treo: Life and War with the World's Bravest Dog|first=Dave|last=Heyhoe|year=2012|publisher=Quercus|location=London|isbn=978-1-780-87396-1}}</ref><ref name=treo>{{cite news | url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/8533382.stm | title = Sniffer dog Treo is honoured with PDSA Dickin Medal | work = BBC News | access-date = 27 February 2010 | date = 24 February 2010 | archive-date = 6 October 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211006125705/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8533382.stm | url-status = live }}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" | [[Theo (dog)|Theo]]
| {{sort|dogSpringer|Dog}}
| {{dts|format=dmy|2012|10|25}}
| A [[English Springer Spaniel|Springer Spaniel]], who located improvised [[Improvised explosive device|explosive devices]] while serving in Afghanistan; holds the record for most operational finds by an arms and explosives search dog with 14.  Died from an apparent seizure after his handler was killed by enemy fire earlier that day.
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref name=theo>{{cite news | url = http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/20083312.stm | title = Army dog given posthumous medal for Afghanistan work | work = BBC News | access-date=25 October 2012|date=25 October 2012}}{{dead link|date=September 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" | [[Sasha (dog)|Sasha]]
| {{sort|dogLabrador|Dog}}
| {{dts|format=dmy|2014|04|29}}
| A [[Labrador Retriever|Labrador]] who located 15 improvised [[Improvised explosive device|explosive devices]], mortars, mines, and weapons while serving in Afghanistan, with the [[Royal Army Veterinary Corps]]. In July 2008 Sasha and her handler were killed in a [[Taliban]] ambush by a rocket-propelled grenade.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-27186205 | work = BBC News | date = 29 April 2014 | access-date = 29 April 2014 | title = Army dog killed in Afghanistan given posthumous medal | archive-date = 29 April 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140429102127/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-27186205 | url-status = live }}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref name=guardiansasha>{{cite news|title=British army dog awarded bravery medal for work in Afghanistan|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2014/apr/29/uk-army-dog-sasha-pdsa-dickin-medal-afghanistan|access-date=29 April 2014|newspaper=The Guardian|location=London|date=29 April 2014|archive-date=29 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140429044222/http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2014/apr/29/uk-army-dog-sasha-pdsa-dickin-medal-afghanistan|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" | [[Warrior (army horse)|Warrior]]
| Horse
| {{dts|format=dmy|2014|09|2}}
| Honorary award to a First World War [[warhorse]] to commemorate the contributions of all animals during the conflict.
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref name=warrior>{{Cite web | url = https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-28987054 | title = World War One: Warhorse Warrior awarded Dickin Medal | work = BBC News | access-date = 2 September 2014 | date = 2 September 2014 | archive-date = 5 September 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140905052243/http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-28987054 | url-status = live }}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" | [[Diesel (dog)|Diesel]]
| {{sort|dogBelgianMalinois|Dog}}
| {{dts|format=dmy|2015|12|28}}
| A [[Belgian Malinois]] [[Research, Assistance, Intervention, Deterrence|RAID]] assault dog employed by the [[French police]] who was killed by suspected terrorists in the [[2015 Saint-Denis raid]] on 18 November 2015 in Paris.
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref name=diesel>{{cite web|title=Tragic French Police Dog Diesel to receive supreme honour for gallantry|url=https://www.pdsa.org.uk/press-office/latest-news/2015/12/22/Police-Dog-Diesel-to-receive-supreme-honour-for-gallantry|publisher=PDSA|access-date=28 December 2015|date=27 December 2015|archive-date=28 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151228180615/https://www.pdsa.org.uk/press-office/latest-news/2015/12/22/police-dog-diesel-to-receive-supreme-honour-for-gallantry|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" | [[Lucca (dog)|Lucca]]
| {{sort|dogGermanShepherd|Dog}}
| {{dts|format=dmy|2016|04|5}}
| A [[German Shepherd]] who worked with the [[United States Marine Corps]] for six years before losing a leg in an [[Improvised explosive device|IED]] explosion.
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref name=lucca>{{cite web|title=PDSA Dickin Medal for Lucca|url=https://www.pdsa.org.uk/what-we-do/animal-honours/the-dickin-medal/lucca|publisher=PDSA|access-date=5 April 2016|date=5 April 2016|archive-date=26 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160426005211/https://www.pdsa.org.uk/what-we-do/animal-honours/the-dickin-medal/lucca|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" | [[Sergeant Reckless]]
| Horse
| {{dts|format=dmy|2016|07|28}}
| A [[Mongolian horse|Mongolian mare]] who held rank in the [[United States Marine Corps]] in the [[Korean War]]. On one day she made 51 solo trips to resupply multiple front line units.
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref>{{cite news|last1=Bailey|first1=Nancy|title=U.S. Marine Horse 'Sgt Reckless' Awarded Posthumous Medal Of Valor|url=http://www.inquisitr.com/3358373/u-s-marine-horse-sgt-reckless-awarded-posthumous-medal-of-valor/|access-date=29 July 2016|publisher=The Inquisitr News|date=28 July 2016|archive-date=18 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818035717/http://www.inquisitr.com/3358373/u-s-marine-horse-sgt-reckless-awarded-posthumous-medal-of-valor/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" |[[Mali (dog)|Mali]]
| {{sort|dogBelgianMalinois|Dog}}
| {{dts|format=dmy|2017|11|17}}
| A [[Malinois dog|Belgian Malinois]] who worked with the [[Special Boat Service]] in Afghanistan in 2012. During an 8-hour assault against a Taliban position, the dog indicated the locations of enemy combatants, despite being injured three times by grenade explosions.
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref name="Rawlinson">{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/17/army-dog-wins-animal-victoria-cross-for-taliban-counterattack |newspaper=[[The Guardian]] |title=Army dog wins 'animal Victoria Cross' for Taliban counterattack |first1=Kevin |last1=Rawlinson |access-date=November 18, 2017 |archive-date=17 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171117130624/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/17/army-dog-wins-animal-victoria-cross-for-taliban-counterattack |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" | [[Chips (dog)|Chips]]
| {{sort|dogHusky|Dog}}
| {{dts|format=dmy|2018|01|15}}
|A [[Husky]] crossbreed, for bravery and devotion to duty during the U.S. Army's invasion of [[Sicily]] on 10 July 1943.
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref>{{cite web |title=PDSA Dickin Medal for hero dog Chips |url=https://www.pdsa.org.uk/what-we-do/animal-awards-programme/pdsa-dickin-medal/chips |website=PDSA |access-date=11 July 2019 |archive-date=11 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190711203309/https://www.pdsa.org.uk/what-we-do/animal-awards-programme/pdsa-dickin-medal/chips |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" | [[Kuga (dog)|Kuga]]
| {{sort|dogBelgianMalinois|Dog}}
| {{dts|format=dmy|2018|10|26}}
|A [[Belgian Malinois]], for actions during an Australian [[Special Operations]] [[task group|Task Group]] patrol in [[Uruzgan]] province, Afghanistan. Kuga, who was shot five times during the action, served with the [[Special Air Service Regiment]] (SASR) from 2008 until his death from wounds in 2012.
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref name= Kuga>{{cite web|title=PDSA Dickin Medal Citation: Kuga, Special Operations Military Working Dog|url=https://www.army.gov.au/media-room/media-releases/dickin-medal-citation-kuga|publisher=Australian Army|access-date=26 October 2018|date=26 October 2018|archive-date=26 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181026104355/https://www.army.gov.au/media-room/media-releases/dickin-medal-citation-kuga|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" | Kuno
| {{sort|dogBelgianMalinois|Dog}}
| {{dts|format=dmy|2020|08|29}}
|A [[Belgian Malinois]], for courage under fire during a [[Special Boat Service]] raid against [[al-Qaeda]] in Afghanistan. When forces were pinned down by grenade and machine-gun fire, Kuno was sent in wearing night-vision goggles to attack the gunman, and wrestled him to the ground despite being shot in both hind legs. The injuries he sustained required part of one of his hind paws to be amputated, and he received a prosthesis to replace it after his return to Britain.
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref name= Kuno>{{cite web|title=Medal for hero dog Kuno which saved soldiers' lives in Afghanistan|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-53949310|publisher=BBC|access-date=30 August 2020|date=29 August 2020|archive-date=29 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200829142002/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-53949310|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" | Leuk
| {{sort|dogBelgianMalinois|Dog}}
| {{dts|format=dmy|2021|04|23}}
|A [[Belgian Malinois]] of the French Special Forces, for courage and playing a key role during anti-terrorist operations, and for saving the lives of his handler and colleagues.
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/world/top-uk-gallantry-award-for-french-dog-that-ran-through-flames-in-mali-to-attack-terrorists-1.1209337 |title=Top UK gallantry award for French dog that ran through flames in Mali to attack terrorists |last=Carey |first=Paul |date=2021-04-23 |website=thenationalnews.com |publisher= |access-date=2021-04-23 |quote= |archive-date=23 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423131049/https://www.thenationalnews.com/world/top-uk-gallantry-award-for-french-dog-that-ran-through-flames-in-mali-to-attack-terrorists-1.1209337 |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" | [[Hertz (dog)|Hertz]]
| {{sort|dogGermanShorthairedPointer|Dog}}
| {{dts|format=dmy|2022|02|22}}
|A [[German Shorthaired Pointer]] of the [[Royal Air Force Police]] for detecting electronic equipment during the war in Afghanistan.
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/feb/22/dog-awarded-animals-victoria-cross-for-raf-service-in-afghanistan|title=Dog awarded animals' Victoria Cross for RAF service in Afghanistan|author=Jamie Grierson|date=22 February 2022|work=[[The Guardian]]|accessdate=22 February 2022}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" | Bass
|{{sort|dogGermanShorthairedPointer|Dog}}
|{{dts|format=dmy|2023|01|24}}
|A Belgian Malinois of the US Marine Special Operation Command for his life-saving actions during a deployment in Afghanistan in 2019.
| style="text-align:center;"|<ref>{{cite web |title=Bass - PDSA Dickin Medal |url=https://www.pdsa.org.uk/what-we-do/animal-awards-programme/pdsa-dickin-medal/bass |website=psda.org.uk |access-date=25 April 2023 |archive-date=3 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230503050111/https://www.pdsa.org.uk/what-we-do/animal-awards-programme/pdsa-dickin-medal/bass |url-status=live }}</ref>
|}

{{refbegin}}
*A {{anchor|endnote_A}}'''[[#ref A|^]]''' Rob was awarded the Dickin Medal in 1945 for taking part in more than 20 parachute drops and for his involvement in operations behind enemy lines in Italy and North Africa during the [[Second World War]]. There is evidence that his record is a hoax concocted by the training officer at [[Special Air Service|2nd SAS]] at the time so that the dog would remain with the regiment.<ref name="Times">{{cite news|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2-2277684.html|title=War heroics were a shaggy dog story|work=The Times|date=20 July 2006|access-date=2 March 2010|first=Jack|last=Malvern|location=London|archive-date=30 August 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080830080135/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2-2277684.html|url-status=dead}}
</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article7038561.ece|title=Dickin Medal awarded to Treo the bomb-sniffing military labrador|first=Jack|last=Malvern|work=The Times|access-date=27 February 2010|date=24 February 2010|location=London|archive-date=4 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604232929/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article7038561.ece|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url = https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/1524456/SAS-reports-of-canine-heroics-just-a-shaggy-dog-story.html| work = The Daily Telegraph| access-date = 3 March 2010| date = 21 July 2006| title = SAS reports of canine heroics 'just a shaggy dog story'| first = Richard| last = Alleyne| location = London| archive-date = 13 November 2012| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121113160804/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/1524456/SAS-reports-of-canine-heroics-just-a-shaggy-dog-story.html| url-status = live}}</ref>
*B {{anchor|endnote_B}}'''[[#ref B|^]]''' The [[German Shepherd Dog]] breed was renamed in the UK by [[The Kennel Club]] in 1919 to ''Alsatian Wolf Dog''. During the 1920s, the ''Wolf Dog'' part of the name fell out of use and dogs of this breed were simply known as ''Alsatians''.<ref>{{cite book|last=Stevens|first=Katrina|title=The German Shepherd Dog: A Comprehensive Guide to Buying, Owning, and Training|publisher=Willow Creek Press|date=June 2002|series=Breed Basics|page=12|isbn=978-1-57223-512-0|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sKFVP-ObF6IC&q=alsatian+german+shepherd&pg=PA12|access-date=5 March 2010|archive-date=18 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518173427/https://books.google.com/books?id=sKFVP-ObF6IC&q=alsatian+german+shepherd&pg=PA12|url-status=live}}</ref> The name had been reverted in most countries by 1977 to ''German Shepherd Dog''.<ref>{{cite book|last=Mantellato|first=Lisa|title=Getting to Know German Shepherds|publisher=Animal Info|year=2008|page=13|isbn=978-1-921537-09-7|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vVutKVdDIasC&q=alsatian+1977+german+shepherd&pg=PA13|access-date=5 March 2010|archive-date=18 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518173424/https://books.google.com/books?id=vVutKVdDIasC&q=alsatian+1977+german+shepherd&pg=PA13|url-status=live}}</ref>
{{refend}}

== See also ==
{{portal|Animals|United Kingdom}}
;Animals
* [[Swansea Jack]] (1930–1937) &ndash; twice decorated by the [[Dogs Trust|National Canine Defence League]] before the introduction of the Dickin Medal
* [[List of individual dogs]]

;Honouring animals
* [[Animals in War Memorial]] &ndash; commemorating the countless animals that have served and died under British military command throughout history
* [[PDSA Gold Medal]] &ndash; an equivalent of the Dickin Medal for civilian animals
* [[Purple poppy]] &ndash; a symbol of remembrance in the United Kingdom for animals that served during wartime
* [[Animals in War & Peace Medal of Bravery]] &ndash; an American award patterned after the Dickin Medal, first awarded in 2019

;Animals in war
* [[Dogs in warfare]] &ndash; the history and work done by duty dogs
* [[Horses in warfare]] &ndash; the history and work done by duty horses

;Animals assisting veterans
* [[Bravehound]] &ndash; Scottish charity that supports former servicemen, women and their families, providing training and dogs to support veterans
* [[Hounds for Heroes]] &ndash; British charity helping train and provide service dogs to wounded British Armed Forces and Emergency Services men and women

==References==
;General
{{refbegin}}
*{{cite web |url=http://www.pdsa.org.uk/about-us/animal-bravery-awards/dickin-medal-pigeons |publisher=People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) |access-date=2 March 2010 |title=Dickin medal pigeons |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100213211708/http://www.pdsa.org.uk/about-us/animal-bravery-awards/dickin-medal-pigeons |archive-date=13 February 2010 |df=dmy }}
*{{cite web |url=http://www.pdsa.org.uk/about-us/animal-bravery-awards/dickin-medal-dogs |publisher=PDSA |access-date=2 March 2010 |title=Dickin medal dogs |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100212182318/http://www.pdsa.org.uk/about-us/animal-bravery-awards/dickin-medal-dogs |archive-date=12 February 2010 |df=dmy }}
*{{cite web | url =http://www.pdsa.org.uk/about-us/animal-bravery-awards/dickin-medal-cats | publisher =PDSA | access-date =2 March 2010 | title =Dickin medal cats | archive-date =14 February 2010 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20100214023606/http://www.pdsa.org.uk/about-us/animal-bravery-awards/dickin-medal-cats | url-status =live }}
*{{cite web | url =http://www.pdsa.org.uk/about-us/animal-bravery-awards/dickin-medal-horses | publisher =PDSA | access-date =2 March 2010 | title =Dickin medal horses | archive-date =13 February 2010 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20100213211657/http://www.pdsa.org.uk/about-us/animal-bravery-awards/dickin-medal-horses | url-status =live }}
{{refend}}
;Specific
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

== External links ==
{{commons category}}
* {{cite web | url = https://www.pdsa.org.uk/what-we-do/animal-awards-programme | title = The PDSA Animal Awards Programme | publisher = PDSA | access-date = 17 October 2018 | archive-date = 13 January 2022 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220113125532/https://www.pdsa.org.uk/what-we-do/animal-awards-programme | url-status = live }}
* {{cite web | url = http://www.pigeon.org/pigeons_in_war1.htm | title = World Wars I and II | publisher = American Racing Pigeon Union | access-date = 4 March 2010 | archive-date = 23 March 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090323152224/http://www.pigeon.org/pigeons_in_war1.htm | url-status = live }}
* {{cite web | url = https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0759946/ | title = War of the Birds (2005) | date = 11 November 2005 | publisher = Internet Movie Database | access-date = 4 March 2010 | archive-date = 24 February 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100224083445/http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0759946/ | url-status = live }} A documentary about pigeons involved in the Second World War, many of whom won the Dickin Medal
* {{cite news | url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/8688540.stm| title = In pictures: Heroic dogs | work = BBC News | access-date=7 September 2010| date = 17 May 2010}} Images of Beauty, Rip, Jet, Rex and Irma
{{Dickin Medal}}
{{War pigeons}}

{{featured list}}

[[Category:Military animals]]
[[Category:Awards established in 1943]]
[[Category:Awards to animals]]
[[Category:Lists of animals]]
[[Category:Military awards and decorations of World War II]]