NEW BOOK: THE ANIMALS’ VC: FOR GALLANTRY & DEVOTION

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V16 2013 INDEX E-SYLUM ARCHIVE

The E-Sylum: Volume 16, Number 1, January 6, 2013, Article 7

E-Sylum readers have seen a number of articles over the years about the Dickin Medal. Known as "the Animals' Victoria Cross", the medal has been awarded to brave dogs, cats and even pigeons for their service to mankind.

Well now there's a book about the Dickin medal. Sadly for numismatists, the book has no information about the medals themselves. But it does compile a number of great stories about the exploits of the animals who have won them, and it looks like a good read. I bought a copy on eBay last week (only $10 including postage). It's a nice hardcover book with dust jacket, and looks like interesting reading. I found the following on the author's web site.

Recognising the most extraordinary achievements of animals in war - including pigeons flying through enemy lines, a life-saving cat on a Royal Navy destroyer, and Army dogs sniffing out IEDs in Afghanistan - the PDSA Dickin Medal remains the most prestigious award of its type anywhere in the world, with just 64 awarded in its near 70 year history.

Now for the first time a new history, authorised by the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals, details every one of their remarkable stories. Describing with moving testimony the individuals and their exploits, it explores the remarkable bonds which develop between animals and the men and women they serve alongside and covers the period from the Blitz to the present day.

Produced with the full cooperation of the PDSA, a royalty from every sale will go to save sick animals.

I’ll lend the book to my twelve year old son Tyler - he loves dogs and may be interested in some of their stories. By the way, I'd like to publicly thank reader Bob Neale who read my earlier note about Tyler's interest in dog coins. A package arrived yesterday from Bob for Tyler - it was a nice proof set of four silver Canadian 50-cent pieces, each of which features a different breed of dog. He was delighted. What a generous gift! Thanks!!