First horse to receive the Dickin Medal

The first horses to receive the PDSA Dickin Medal animal gallantry award were police horses Olga, Upstart and Regal, who were awarded the medal on 11 April 1947 for their steadfast calmness while on duty during bomb attacks of London, UK, in World War II.

Introduced in 1943 by the founder of the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA), Maria Dickin, the Dickin Medal is an internationally recognized animal honour for conspicuous gallantry or devotion to duty while serving in a military conflict - the animal equivalent of the British Victoria Cross for human valour.

The first recipients, who were each awarded their medal on 2 December 1943, were three carrier pigeons – White Vision, Winkie and Tyke – for successfully delivering messages that led to the rescue of three ditched Allied aircraft during World War II.

The reason given for each horse to receive the accolade was as follows:

- Regal: “Was twice in burning stables caused by explosive incendiaries at Muswell Hill. Although receiving minor injuries, being covered by debris and close to the flames, this horse showed no signs of panic.”

Olga: “On duty when a flying bomb demolished four houses in Tooting and a plate-glass window crashed immediately in front of her. Olga, after bolting for 100 yards, returned to the scene of the incident and remained on duty with her rider, controlling traffic and assisting rescue organisations.”

Upstart: “While on patrol duty in Bethnal Green a flying bomb exploded within 75 yards, showering both horse and rider with broken glass and debris. Upstart was completely unperturbed and remained quietly on duty with his rider controlling traffic, etc., until the incident had been dealt with.”