Honouring our bravest: Famous animals of war

When we think about heroes from the World Wars, we usually picture diggers in uniform. But some of the bravest among them had four legs, wings, or whiskers. These remarkable animals showed incredible courage and loyalty, often saving countless lives in the process.

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Kuga: Australia’s first Dickin Medal recipient

Special Operations Military Working Dog Kuga made history in 2018 as the first Australian dog to receive the PDSA Dickin Medal in its 75-year history.

This Belgian Malinois served with the Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) in Afghanistan during Operation Slipper in 2011. On patrol in the Khas Uruzgan district, Kuga did what he was trained to do – he detected danger before it could strike.

Kuga indicated the presence of an enemy ambush concealed among trees alongside a river. Without hesitation, he swam into the river to apprehend the enemy. In the process, he was shot five times.

Despite his serious injuries, Kuga survived and was returned home to Australia. Sadly, he died less than a year later, but his actions had saved the lives of his entire patrol.

PDSA Director General Jan McLoughlin said: “Kuga’s actions undoubtedly saved the lives of his patrol. He took on the enemy without fear, saving his comrades despite suffering serious injury, and is thoroughly deserving recipient of the PDSA Dickin Medal.”

At the special ceremony at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, the formal presentation was made to Kuga’s canine colleague, retired Military Working Dog Odin. Corporal Mark Donaldson – recipient of the Victoria Cross for his actions in Afghanistan – received Kuga’s medal on behalf of the regiment.

Kuga’s story reminds us that Australian military animals continue to serve with the same bravery and dedication as their human counterparts.
 

Sergeant Reckless: The mare who made 51 trips under fire

While Sergeant Reckless served with the US Marine Corps during the Korean War, her story deserves a place in any tribute to brave military animals.

This chestnut mare was purchased from a Korean rice paddy in 1952 for $250. What the Marines got was so much more than a pack horse – they got a genuine war hero.

Reckless was trained to carry ammunition, food, and medical supplies to the front lines. But it was during the Battle of Outpost Vegas in 1953 that she truly proved her worth. Under heavy enemy fire, she made 51 trips in a single day, carrying ammunition up the hill and returning to the supply area for more rounds.

She navigated treacherous terrain, dodged bullets, and never hesitated. Her strategic contributions were vital to the battle’s outcome, and she carried wounded soldiers back to safety when needed.

Reckless was wounded twice during her service, but her bravery never wavered. In 1954, she received the Dickin Medal – the only horse from the Korean War to be so honoured. She was also officially promoted to the rank of Sergeant.

After the war, Reckless was brought to the United States for a well-deserved retirement at Camp Pendleton, California. In 2013, a life-sized statue was unveiled at the National Museum of the Marine Corps, ensuring her legacy lives on.

The horses who kept London safe

During the Blitz, while bombs rained down on London, three police horses proved that bravery comes in all forms. Olga, Upstart, and Regal weren’t your average horses – they were lifesavers.

Olga was on patrol in Tooting when a flying bomb destroyed four houses nearby. The blast shattered a massive plate-glass window right in front of her. She bolted about 100 metres (understandably!), but then came straight back. Without missing a beat, Olga stayed with her handler, helping control traffic and assisting rescue teams.

Upstart showed similar courage in Bethnal Green when a flying bomb exploded just 70 metres away. Glass and debris showered down on both horse and rider, but Upstart remained completely calm, continuing his patrol duties.

Regal faced fire. When a warehouse in London went up in flames, Regal helped evacuate people from the building. He’d already survived burning stables twice. Despite injuries and flames around him, this brave horse stayed calm.

All three horses received the Dickin Medal on 11 April 1947.

Beauty: The rescue dog before rescue dogs existed

Long before search and rescue dogs became commonplace, there was Beauty – a Wirehaired Terrier who pioneered the role during the London Blitz.

Beauty belonged to PDSA Superintendent Bill Barnet and would accompany him on rescue missions in the 1940s. She wasn’t an official team member at first, but during one mission, she started digging through rubble on her own. Within minutes, the cries of a trapped cat were heard. The team pulled the cat to safety.

Recognising her natural talent, Beauty became a proper member of the rescue squad. Over the course of her service, she saved 63 animals trapped in bombed buildings.

The citation for her 1945 Dickin Medal read: “For being the pioneer dog in locating buried air-raid victims while serving with a PDSA Rescue Squad.”
 

GI Joe: The pigeon who saved a village

Homing pigeons might seem like an outdated form of communication now, but during the World Wars, they were vital messengers when other methods failed.

In 1943, during a mission in Italy, American forces had advanced and captured the village of Calvi Vecchia ahead of schedule. The problem? A planned Allied bombing raid was about to destroy the village – with British troops still in it.

Radio communications had failed. The only hope was GI Joe. This brave pigeon flew 32 kilometres in 20 minutes, dodging enemy fire and battling harsh weather to deliver the message that called off the bombing raid. His successful flight saved the lives of over 100 Allied soldiers and countless Italian civilians.

GI Joe received his Dickin Medal in August 1946.

Simon: The only cat to receive the medal

This black and white ship’s cat served on HMS Amethyst during the Yangtze Incident in 1949, and he became the only cat ever to receive the Dickin Medal.

When the ship came under heavy artillery fire during the Chinese Civil War, the attack killed the captain and seriously injured Simon with shrapnel wounds and burns.

Despite his injuries, Simon had a job to do. HMS Amethyst was stranded for nearly 10 weeks in hot, humid conditions – perfect for rats. With food supplies already limited, a rat infestation could have been catastrophic.

Simon became the chief rat catcher, keeping the crew’s food supplies safe. More than that, his presence boosted morale during an incredibly tense standoff.

When the ship finally escaped, Simon was awarded the Dickin Medal in November 1949 with the citation: “For displaying remarkable courage in the face of danger.”

Judy: The prisoner of war who never gave up

Judy was a purebred English Pointer who became a ship’s dog on HMS Grasshopper. When the ship was captured by the Japanese in 1941, Judy and her crewmates became prisoners of war.

Life in the camps was horrific, but Judy refused to give up. While her human companions grew weaker, she risked her life to hunt for food in the surrounding jungle, sharing whatever she found with her fellow prisoners.

She became a symbol of hope. During a camp raid, Judy’s barking created a distraction that allowed several prisoners to escape.

After the war ended, Judy was awarded the Dickin Medal in May 1946.

A legacy worth remembering

Since 1943, the PDSA Dickin Medal has been awarded 75 times to 38 dogs, 32 pigeons, 4 horses, and 1 cat. Australia’s Kuga joined this elite group in 2018, becoming the first Australian dog to receive the honour.

These animals didn’t choose to be part of the war effort, but when duty called, they answered. They saved lives, boosted morale, and showed us that courage isn’t limited to one species.

The next time you visit a war memorial or hear a story about service and sacrifice, remember that some of the bravest heroes had paws, hooves, and wings. They served alongside humans, faced the same dangers, and earned their place in history.

We owe them our gratitude, our respect, and our remembrance.