I am very sorry for reversing the colors on the medal ribbon. My reference picture had the ribbon twisted and I didn't realize it until the end. Anyhow, Merry Christmas! Hope you like the portrait and some information on a few pigeons who received the medal!
"The Dickin Medal was inaugurated in 1943 initially to honour the work of animals in war. Since then 34 dogs, 32 messenger pigeons, 4 horses and 1 cat have been awarded this ‘animal Victoria Cross’.
The medal itself is a bronze medallion, inscribed with the words “For Gallantry” and “We Also Serve”. Maria Dickin, founder of the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA), established the award for any animal displaying conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty whilst serving with the British armed forces or civil emergency services.
The first to receive the award, in December 1943, were three pigeons serving with the Royal Air Force, all of whom were involved in the recovery of air crew from ditched aircraft during the Second World War."
Pigeons:
Billy Pigeon – NU.41.HQ.4373 Date of Award: August 1945 “For delivering a message from a force-landed bomber, while in a state of complete collapse and under exceptionally bad weather conditions, while serving with the RAF in 1942.”
GI Joe Pigeon – USA43SC6390 Date of Award: August 1946 “This bird is credited with making the most outstanding flight by a USA Army Pigeon in World War II. Making the 20 mile flight from British 10th Army HQ, in the same number of minutes, it brought a message which arrived just in time to save the lives of at least 100 Allied soldiers from being bombed by their own planes.”
Princess Pigeon – 42WD593 Date of Award: May 1946 “Sent on special mission to Crete, this pigeon returned to her loft (RAF Alexandria) having traveled about 500 miles mostly over sea, with most valuable information. One of the finest performances in the war record of the Pigeon Service.”
