PIGEON TOMMY'S DICKIN MEDAL DISPLAYED

The Dickin Medal – considered the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross – was awarded to the pigeon Tommy VC, from Dalton, in recognition of his vital work delivering a message from the Dutch Resistance about the location of a German arms factory, which allowed the planning of a successful bombing raid.

The Dickin Medal has only ever been awarded to 75 animals, including 38 dogs, 32 pigeons, four horses and one cat.

Tommy's Dickin Medal was successfully acquired at auction in January by the Furness Maritime Trust on behalf of the town's Dock Museum, operated by Westmorland and Furness Council.

Tommy's medal now takes pride of place in a new display at the Dock Museum honouring the area's war heroes, alongside the medals awarded to Barrow's most decorated World War Two hero James (Jimmy) Freel.

The display was unveiled at a ceremony on Thursday by Richard Higgin and Louise Burrow, who are relatives of Tommy's late owner William Brockbank.

Tommy flew the 400 miles to Britain carrying the secret information, along the way being shot at and wounded by German soldiers, and found his way back to owner William Brockbank in Dalton.

In 1946, Tommy was recognised for his bravery and was awarded the Dickin Medal, as well as a Dutch medal for valour.

 
Mrs Brockbank's grandchildren Richard and Louise and great-grandchild Keiron with Tommy's medal

To read the complete article, see:
Hero pigeon Tommy's Dickin Medal goes on display (https://cumbriacrack.com/2025/03/15/hero-pigeon-tommys-dickin-medal-goes-on-display/)

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
PIGEON TOMMY VC DICKIN MEDAL SALE (https://www.coinbooks.org/v28/esylum_v28n04a28.html)

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