Faith was a remarkable cat who displayed extraordinary courage during the London Blitz in World War II. Here’s her inspiring story:
In 1936, Faith was a stray who found her way into St Augustine’s and St Faith’s Church in London. Despite being repeatedly put outside by the verger; she persisted and eventually made the church her home. She was named Faith by Father Henry Ross, reflecting both her perseverance and the church’s name.
Faith became a beloved member of the church, attending services and becoming a fixture in the community. In August 1940, she gave birth to a kitten named Panda. Shortly after, in a seemingly clairvoyant act, Faith moved Panda to the church basement, despite Father Ross’s attempts to keep them in their usual spot.
This move proved to be lifesaving. On September 9, 1940, the church was bombed during the Blitz. Faith and Panda were found safe amidst the rubble in the very spot Faith had chosen. Her instinct to protect her kitten against all odds captured the heart of the nation.
For her bravery and devotion, Faith was awarded a silver medal on October 12, 1945, in a ceremony at the rebuilt St Augustine’s, with the Archbishop of Canterbury presenting the honor. Faith continued to live at the church until her death in 1948.
Faith’s story is a testament to the enduring spirit and resilience shown by both humans and animals during one of the darkest times in London’s history.
What is the PDSA silver medal?
The PDSA Silver Medal is part of the PDSA’s Animal Awards Programme, which recognizes acts of extraordinary animal bravery or exceptional devotion to duty. It is often referred to as the animals’ equivalent of the George Cross. The Silver Medal specifically honors civilian animals that have demonstrated remarkable bravery or dedication to duty.
The PDSA also awards the Dickin Medal, which is considered the highest honor any animal can receive for serving in military conflict. It is recognized worldwide as the animals’ Victoria Cross and has been awarded to various animals, including dogs, pigeons, horses, and a cat, for their gallantry or devotion to duty during wartime.
These medals celebrate the important roles animals play and the incredible acts of service they can perform, often under very challenging circumstances.
Which animals have been awarded a PDSA silver medal?
The PDSA Silver Medal has been awarded to various animals for their extraordinary bravery or exceptional devotion to duty. While the PDSA website does not provide a detailed list of all Silver Medal recipients, it does mention that the award is part of their Animal Awards Programme, which also includes the Dickin Medal, Gold Medal, and Order of Merit.
The Dickin Medal, for example, has been awarded 75 times since 1943 to 38 dogs, 32 pigeons, 4 horses, and 1 cat. The Silver Medal is considered the civilian equivalent of the Dickin Medal and is often referred to as the animals’ George Cross. It’s awarded to animals that have demonstrated remarkable bravery or dedication to duty in non-military situations.
If you’re interested in specific stories of animal bravery and the awards they’ve received, I recommend visiting the PDSA’s official website or other resources dedicated to animal heroes. These stories are truly inspiring and showcase the incredible bond between animals and humans, as well as the significant roles animals can play in society.
How can I nominate my pet for an award?
If you’re interested in nominating your pet for a PDSA award, you would typically need to visit the PDSA’s official website and follow their nomination process. However, according to the latest information available, the PDSA Animal Awards Programme is currently closed for nominations. They suggest keeping an eye on their website for future updates.
The PDSA Animal Awards Programme is renowned for recognizing acts of extraordinary animal bravery or exceptional devotion to duty. It includes several awards such as the Dickin Medal, Gold Medal, Order of Merit, and Commendation, each with its own criteria and categories.
When nominations reopen, you’ll find the necessary details and criteria for nomination on their website. It’s a great way to honor pets who have shown remarkable bravery or made a significant impact on their community or their owners’ lives. Keep checking back for the opportunity to nominate your pet for these prestigious awards!
How long has PDSA been awarding medals to animals?
Certainly! Let me tell you the story of Kuga, a Belgian Malinois who served with the Special Air Service Regiment of the Australian Army.
Kuga’s story is one of bravery and loyalty. In 2011, during Operation Slipper in Afghanistan, Kuga and his handler were patrolling with their unit when they came under enemy fire. Kuga, without hesitation, charged towards the enemy, identifying their ambush and giving his unit a crucial advantage.
Despite being shot five times with semi-automatic fire, Kuga continued his mission, which allowed his unit to counter the ambush effectively. His actions not only saved the lives of his team but also demonstrated the unyielding courage and devotion that military working dogs possess.
For his “unstinting bravery and life-saving devotion to his handler and his unit,” Kuga was posthumously awarded the PDSA Dickin Medal on 26 October 2018. This medal is often described as the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross, the highest military decoration awarded for valor “in the face of the enemy” to members of the armed forces of various Commonwealth countries and previous British Empire territories.
Kuga’s story is a powerful reminder of the incredible bond between humans and animals and the profound impact they can have on each other’s lives, especially in times of conflict and danger.
Simon awarded the Dickin Medal (VC equivalent)
The Silver Medal is the GC equivalent.
Simon was posthumously awarded the Dickin Medal in 1949 for his actions during the Yangtze Incident on the HMS Amethyst. Simon is recognized as the only cat to have ever received this prestigious award, which is often described as the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross3. Faith, however, did receive recognition for her bravery during World War II with a silver medal from the PDSA.
RELATED: WW2 cat hero, Simon, died of cold British weather not his injuries
