What the Dickins? The highest animal military award explained
Animals have historically been – and continue to be – used during military conflict, and the PDSA Dickin Medal is awarded as a way of honouring their bravery.
The medal, recognised worldwide as the animals' equivalent of the Victoria Cross, was introduced in 1943 by the PDSA (People's Dispensary for Sick Animals) founder Maria Dickin.
It acknowledges outstanding acts of bravery or devotion to duty displayed by animals serving with the Armed Forces or Civil Defence units in any theatre of war throughout the world.
Engraved on the large, bronze medallion are the words 'For Gallantry' and 'We Also Serve' within a laurel wreath.
The ribbon that holds the medal is green, dark brown and sky blue striped, representing water, earth and air to symbolise the naval, land and air forces.
The medal has been awarded 73 times since 1943, plus one Honorary PDSA Dickin Medal awarded in 2014. The recipients have been 36 dogs, 32 pigeons, four horses and a cat.
In April 2021, French Navy Commando dog 'Lucky Leuk', a Belgian Malinois, was the most recent recipient.
'For showing outstanding bravery and devotion to his handler and unit during operation in May 2019', 'Lucky Leuk' was posthumously awarded the highest honour for animals.
At the time, Commander Nicolas, Kieffer Commando Leader, said: "It's very scarce to be able to have such a good dog.
"[He] was just exceptional and we suffer his loss a lot."
Watch: French Navy Commando dog 'Lucky Leuk' was posthumously awarded the highest honour available for animals – the PDSA Dickin Medal.
During the Second World War, PDSA's founder Maria Dickin was aware of the incredible bravery displayed by animals on active service and the Home Front.
Inspired by the animals' devotion to man and duty, she introduced the special medal specifically for animals in war.
The first recipients of the award, in December 1943, were three pigeons serving with the Royal Air Force, all of whom contributed to the recovery of aircrew from ditched aircraft during the Second World War.
In 2020, a retired military dog received a medal for valour after he was injured in action while tackling an al-Qaeda gunman.
Kuno was hit by bullets in both back legs during the assault, with part of one limb having to be amputated before he was flown back to the UK.
He then became the first UK military working dog to be fitted with custom-made prosthetic limbs.
"Kuno's heroic actions undoubtedly changed the course of the mission and saved lives," PDSA Director-General Jan McLoughlin said.
"He took on the enemy without fear or hesitation, never faltering from his duty, despite being seriously injured.
"For his bravery and devotion to duty, he is a thoroughly deserving recipient of the PDSA Dickin Medal and we look forward to formally presenting his award later this year," she added.
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