Simon, of HMS Amethyst, was the first cat to receive the Dickin Medal, the animal award for gallantry, often referred to as the 'Animals' VC'. He received this medal by unanimous agreement. He was the first, and until now, only cat to receive this honor. Simon died from an infection on it´s war wounds, when went to London to receive his medal from the Lord Mayor of London in person, in 1949. He was buried in the PDSA's animal cemetery at Ilford, east of London; a specially made casket was draped with the Union flag, and Father Henry Ross, rector of St Augustine's church, held a short ceremony. His crew friends, Lt Cdr Kerans and the whole Amethyst crew were devastated. Now, Simon have his name at The Animals in War Memorial, in Park Lane, London.
Simon, of HMS Amethyst, was the first cat to receive the Dickin Medal, the animal award for gallantry, often referred to as the 'Animals' VC'. He received this medal by unanimous agreement. He was the first, and until now, only cat to receive this honor. Simon died from an infection on it´s war wounds, when went to London to receive his medal from the Lord Mayor of London in person, in 1949. He was buried in the PDSA's animal cemetery at Ilford, east of London; a specially made casket was draped with the Union flag, and Father Henry Ross, rector of St Augustine's church, held a short ceremony. His crew friends, Lt Cdr Kerans and the whole Amethyst crew were devastated. Now, Simon have his name at The Animals in War Memorial, in Park Lane, London.
