The E-Sylum:  Volume 10, Number 51, December 16, 2007, Article 23

DICKIN MEDAL HERO PADDY THE PIGEON HONORED

[We're written before about recipients of the Dickin Medal,
designed to honor animals who bravely serve in battle.
Medal winners are back in the news this week. -Editor]

"A County Antrim pigeon who received a medal for his war-time
bravery is being remembered at a special ceremony in England.
Paddy the pigeon was bred in Moyleen, Carnlough.

"He was decorated for being the first bird to fly back with
news of the D-Day landings in Normandy in World War II.

"Paddy is one of 62 animals who received the PSDA Dickin
Medal, the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross, for
bravery in the war.

"He received the PDSA Dickin Medal on 1 September 1944
for recording the quickest time to return with information
from the D-Day landings at Normandy on 6 June that year
while he was serving with the RAF.

"Dogs, horses, pigeons and a cat received medals because
they helped save thousands of lives in the war.

"They are buried at the PDSA animal cemetery in Redbridge,
Ilford and all are being remembered at a special ceremony.

"Veteran military personnel who served with the animals
will stage a march past and a bugler will sound the Last Post.

"A fly-past by pigeons will commemorate the 32 birds who
were honoured for their bravery.

"Paddy's medal was sold to a pigeon fancier for almost £7,000
at an auction in Dublin in September 1999."

To read the complete article, see:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/7141013.stm

  Wayne Homren, Editor

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