Simon the Cat: The Only Feline to Win the Dickin Medal
A ship’s cat became an unexpected war hero, surviving a devastating attack and assisting British sailors during one of the Royal Navy’s most challenging episodes. Simon, a black-and-white cat aboard HMS Amethyst, received worldwide recognition for his bravery during the Yangtze River Incident in China in 1949.
Simon was discovered in Hong Kong in 1948 by sailor George Hickinbottom, who took him aboard HMS Amethyst. The young cat quickly became well-known to the crew. His primary responsibility was to combat the ship’s persistent rat problem, which threatened food supplies and caused considerable distress for the sailors.
Everything changed in April 1949, when the British warship came under artillery fire on the Yangtze River during the Chinese Civil War. The attack killed the ship’s captain and injured many crew members. Simon also suffered serious injuries, including shrapnel wounds and burns.
Despite his injuries, the cat survived surgery and eventually returned to duty. The Amethyst remained stranded on the river for over three months, with food supplies becoming increasingly dwindling. Rats posed an increasing threat to the remaining supplies, making Simon’s work especially valuable.
He reportedly hunted rats despite his painful injuries and helped protect the crew’s meager food supplies. Simon also became a source of comfort to wounded sailors, visiting them during their recovery. His company was a welcome distraction during weeks of uncertainty and danger.
One particularly pesky rat, nicknamed Mao Zedong, repeatedly ravaged the ship’s stores. Simon eventually killed this infamous rodent, earning the admiration of the sailors. The crew even promoted him to seaman in recognition of his service.
Medal awarded after his death
Simon’s story spread far beyond the ship. After HMS Amethyst escaped from the river in July 1949, the cat became an international celebrity. He received gifts, letters from admirers, and was widely covered in newspapers.
Simon was awarded the Dickin Medal by the PDSA (British Kennel Club Association), an award established by Maria Dickin in 1943 to recognize the exceptional bravery of animals during the war. He remains the only cat ever to receive this prestigious award.
Sadly, Simon never attended the award ceremony. He died on November 28, 1949, while quarantined in the UK. His shipmates mourned their beloved pet and arranged a funeral with full naval honors.
Simon was buried in the PDSA animal cemetery in Ilford, England. His gravestone commemorates the cat whose bravery and loyalty made him an unforgettable member of the Royal Navy.
Further reading: Simon the cat – Wikipedia. The Amethyst Incident (1949) – Wikipedia.
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