Royal Navy pays tribute to hero cat
Simon was awarded the Dickin Medal for his bravery on HMS Amethyst, despite a serious shrapnel wound.
Royal Navy officers have paid tribute to hero cat Simon, who died 65 years ago after playing a key role on the warship, HMS Amethyst. For his amazing courage, he became the only cat ever to receive the PDSA Dickin Medal, also known as the animal's Victoria Cross.
Officers laid a wreath on the cat's grave to commemorate his courage during the infamous Yangtse River Incident in 1949.
Simon was badly wounded by shrapnel when the Amethyst came under fire from Chinese Communist Forces during the 101-day siege, which claimed the lives of 17 British soldiers.
Despite his injury, Simon continued to look after the remaining crew members by protecting their food stores from rat infestations.
When news of his stoicism spread around the world, Simon needed his own naval officer to deal with the influx of fan mail he received.
PDSA's general director Jan McLoughlin, said: "There is no doubt that Simon was very special cat, and a much-loved and respected crew member on HMS Amethyst. The fact that Simon’s name and story live on 65 years after the Yangste incident is testament to his bravery and devotion to duty."
Sadly the two-year-old cat died in quarantine only a few weeks after the Amethyst returned home on November 1, 1949. He was buried with full military honours and posthumously received the Dickin Medal.
His citation read: "Served on HMS Amethyst during the Yangtze Incident, disposing of many rats though wounded by shell blast. Throughout the incident his behaviour was of the highest order, although the blast was capable of making a hole over a foot in diameter in a steel plate".
Simon is buried at the PDSA Animal Cemetery in Ilford, alongside 11 other animals who were also awarded the Dickin Medal.
The medal is the highest honour for gallantry while serving in military conflict. Since it was introduced in 1943, it has been awarded to 32 World War Two messenger pigeons, 29 dogs, three horses and just one cat, Simon.
Image courtesy of PDSA
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
