Journal of the Numismatic Association of Australia - Volume 22
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Volume 22
Journal of the
Numismatic Association of Australia
The numismatics of brave animals
John Pearn
Figure 1. An electrum trite or third stater (4.66 grams) of Lydia or Milesia. Issued ca. 575 B.C.,
probably at Sardis. The roaring lion’s head was the dynastic badge of the Lydian royal house.
Photograph courtesy of Mr Jim Noble, Noble Numismatics Sale 94 Catalogue of 29 July 2010.
Abstract virtues in individual animals of a species –
The cultural evolution of humankind has highlighting such virtues as courage, loyalty
been characterised since earliest times by or service – takes several forms including
the bestowal of human characteristics upon poetry, statuary and monumental memorials.
animals. The symbols of virtue which humans One of the most enduring examples of the
confer upon animals are found extensively in anthropomorphism of animal courage is that
the numismatic record. Such anthropomorphic enshrined in the numismatic record which this
associations take two separate and distinct paper seeks to document. It includes an account
forms. The first comprises a two-way reflexive of some important medals bestowed upon
attribution wherein an animal species is given animals for bravery, war service, metaphors
a human quality – the courage, dominance and of virtue, and primacy in competition and
conquering strength of the lion, for example – endurance. The numismatic record also includes
and that animal’s virtue is then portrayed by a distinct class of medals awarded to humans
a returned dynamic as a metaphor for a king, specifically for saving animal life. These awards
ruler or nation. The second anthropomorphic comprise a heritage record of the close links
dynamic is the bestowal of human qualities between the animal kingdom and humankind.
upon individual animals. The species as a group They form a permanent witness that the virtues
is not endowed with the virtue, but specific of duty, service and courage can transcend
and exceptional individuals are identified and the barriers that otherwise partition the living
apportioned esteem. Memorialisation of such world.
50 JNAA 22, 2011 (2012)
The numismatics of brave animals
Introduction recent British coins in a similar example
Animals have been portrayed on of this metaphor of animal strength and
coins since the invention of coinage courage. Second and distinct from this
probably in the late seventh century B.C. process, is a different one-way dynamic
by the Lydians, who featured lions on the wherein humankind both bestows and
obverse of their coins. Often when early rewards perceived virtue not on a whole
moneyers depicted selected species species, but on individual animals.
of animals on the coinage of kings, This is the same process as rewarding
it was because they were metaphors individual human subjects for gallantry,
for human-endowed qualities such as courage or service beyond the call of
courage, fighting prowess, physical duty. Both these processes constitute the
strength and loyalty.1 (Fig. 1). The phenomenon of anthropomorphism.
strength and courage of the warhorse,
the eagle’s power and dominance of Anthropomorphism
the skies, and the speed and graceful Anthropomorphism is the
agility of the dolphin are examples of imparting of human moral, ethical and
die-engravers’ metaphors which were behavioural qualities, both good and
popular in the first two hundred years of bad, upon animals. The phenomenon
the chronology of coinage. Especially is all-pervasive in human culture. It
fine examples include the eagle on coins is enshrined in the creation beliefs of
from the Akragas mint on Sicily (ca. many peoples, and no more so than
470-425 B.C.); the quadriga with Nike in the world’s longest continuous
flying above her war chariot, struck in surviving cultures - the Aboriginal
Syracuse also in Sicily (ca. 480 – 470 Peoples of Australia. One example is
B.C.); and the depiction of Alexander the attribution of life-giving creativity
the Great (336-323 B.C.) wearing an to the Rainbow Serpent.
elephant headdress. In the process of anthropomorphism
The attribution to animals of human both virtues and vices are bestowed
virtues takes two separate and distinct upon whole species and on individuals
forms. The first is a reflexive dynamic within a species. An ancient written
in which humans attribute a virtue to an reference to such anthropomorphism
entire animal species, and then uses the was the Persian custom of imparting
metaphor of the generic animal virtue an immoral quality to certain birds,
to identify specific human individuals a practice described by Herodotus
or kings with the attributed virtue. The (1.138) in the fifth century B.C. He
lion’s head on the first Lydian coins is wrote that many Persians drove away
an example of this process. Two and white pigeons which they believed had
a half thousand years later, the lion contracted leprosy as a result of sinning
accompanied Britannia on the reverse of against the god. Herodotus (1.23-4) also
JNAA 22, 2011 (2012) 51John Pearn
recorded the alleged rescue of a famous made a strong case that we need
musician from drowning by dolphins. animals in our lives and that there are
Snakes play a role in the Old Testament, deep-rooted reasons why this is so.7 The
most famously the serpent in the Garden evolutionary process of selection has
of Eden which was attributed with resulted in the selection of personalities
deviousness and evil (Genesis 3.1; 3.4- in both humans and animals, just as it
5; 3.22). Similar examples abound in does in the selection of phenotypes.8
virtually all ancient cultures. It is well known that a large percent
Anthropomorphism is an idea which of owners of cats and dogs acknowledge
endured to modern times. The website celebrating their pet’s birthday, or
animal-symbols.com describes the include them in celebratory affirmations
eagle “as a symbol of power, action, of love such as the giving of presents at
speed and perception, and has powers of Christmas.9 The Queensland veterinary
intuition and creativity and can balance surgeon, Dr David Paxton in his book,
power with grace”; and the lion as “a Why It’s Okay to Talk to your Dog,
symbol for deathless courage, strength, noted:
fearlessness, bravery and royalty, the I think it is okay to talk to your
lord of the land”.2 In his book, Animals dog. I talk to Toby all the time.
as Social Beings, Adolf Portmann wrote I do not talk to Toby about the
that: meaning of life. He would not
From the 1930s, biologists be interested, having abrogated
became unwilling to call all the cerebral side of things to
animal behaviour [simply] his human partner… Toby
instinctive. It was recognised communicates by body language
that all behaviour was made up and trusts implicitly that I will
of many different components, respond.10
some fixed and automatic, others
highly adaptable and more or less Altruism and Anthropomorphism
modifiable by experience…3 Of the many virtues which humans
This dynamic was given a certain bestow on individual animals, that of
cachet following the demonstration courage takes the highest ethical form.
that 98.4 percent of human DNA was In this context there are three grades of
shared with that of chimpanzees;4 and service to others – duty, supererogation
90 percent with that of mice.5 A wake and altruism. Duty is the phenomenon
was held in Edinburgh in February 2003 of response to a perceived or imposed
to celebrate the life of Dolly the sheep, “ought” or “should”. Supererogation
the world’s first cloned mammal. Dolly is going beyond that call or duty
was “the world’s first ovine megastar”.6 – “going the extra mile”. Altruism
Scientists and anthropologists have is supererogation in which there
52 JNAA 22, 2011 (2012)The numismatics of brave animals
Medals for Animal Courage
Dickin Medal (Instituted 1943) (People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals)
People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals Silver Medal (1943-1969)
People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals Gold Medal (from 1969)
National [UK] Canine Defence League Bronze Medal
Dogs Trust [UK] Gallant Canine Medal
Purple Cross. RSPCA Australia (Instituted 1993)
National [Australia] Animal Valour Award (Instituted 1998)
Royal New Zealand SPCA Bravery Award Medal (1953-1957)
Royal New Zealand SPCA Silver Medal of Merit (from 1958)
Royal New Zealand SPCA Bronze Medal of Merit (from 1958)
Stillman Award Medal (American Humane Society)
Single (opportunistic) Issue Medals. e.g.
New York State Poultry Society (1869)
The Sun’s Hero Dog Award Medallion
(UK Dogs Trust and The Sun newspaper)
The VITA Wireless Samaritan Medal – National Hero Dog Award
War Service Medals to Animals
Dogs enlisted, promoted and decorated for war service through the ranks of the US
Army, the US Marine Corps and the US Coast Guard.
The Australian Defence Force Trackers and War Dogs Association Medal (from
March, 2009).
Coins and Medals Depicting Animals as Metaphors of Virtue
Coins of all nations depicting lions, bulls, dolphins etc. as metaphors of strength,
courage, elegance.
Silver Greyhounds Medallion – icons of the Queen’s Messengers.
The Dogged Devotion Award (UK Dogs Trust Award to dogs which provide
exceptional emotional support).
Performance Medals – Primacy in Strength and Endurance
Horse racing Medals
Pigeon racing Medals
Medals to Humans for Saving Animal Life
Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (UK) Silver Medal
National [UK] Canine Defence League Silver Medal
People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals Cross
Royal New Zealand SPCA Gold Medal of Merit
RSPCA Australia Humane Award Medal (Instituted 1990)
Table 1. Classification of coins and medals relating to animal service and courage.
JNAA 22, 2011 (2012) 53John Pearn
exists an extra element – a personal of animals memorialised for posterity.
acknowledged risk of deprivation, loss, Such examples of animal courage form
danger, injury or death; or the loss of the subject of poetry and paintings,
property, livelihood or status. Courage memorials, statues and coins and
is a necessary component of both medals.14
supererogation and altruism. While it The numismatic record is the most
is unlikely animals act out of altruism, enduring of all these repositories of
they undoubtedly manifest courage. cultural heritage; and it is in this record
An example of perceived extreme that one finds many examples of an
animal loyalty – supererogation as extreme example of anthropomorphism,
an anthropomorphic bestowal - was animal courage.
Hachikō, an Akita dog which became
a national symbol of Japanese loyalty, Numismatics of Animal Service and
with the dog’s memory perpetuated in Virtue
a statue in Tokyo.11 Another was Bobby, A proposed classification of coins
a Skye Terrier who spent every night at and medals relating to animal service
and courage is shown in Table 1. There
his master’s grave, for 14 years after the
exist four distinct types of award. In
latter’s death (1858). The dog’s statue
addition there is a separate family of
in Edinburgh, “Greyfriars Bobby”, is a
medals bestowed upon humans who
metaphor of unquestioning loyalty. It
exhibit bravery in saving animal life.
has been visited by a great many people
This paper deals primarily with the
over the decades, including the author.12
first class which relates to the medallic
“Balto”, a famous Alaskan sled dog, record of what is perceived as true
was the lead dog on the final run in 1925 animal courage. Examples of all the
bringing supplies of diphtheria antitoxin other groups are given for completeness.
serum to Nome during an epidemic.
Balto’s stamina and dutiful service are Medals for animal courage
memorialised both in a statue in New Several nations bestow awards for
York’s Central Park and in the annual animal heroism, although it has been
Iditarod Race.13 said that “giving medals to animals
Humankind strives to enshrine, in as sounds peculiarly British”.15 There
permanent a form as possible, its own exist many different medals for what
cultural record of extreme examples of is perceived as courage or heroism
duty, courage and loyalty. The Victoria displayed by individual animals.
Cross is afforded primacy in the British Selected examples include:
Commonwealth Order of Precedence
of all bestowed decorations. Just as 1. Dickin Medal
in the record of human gallantry, so The highest international award for
also are the perceived virtuous deeds animal courage is the Dickin Medal.16
54 JNAA 22, 2011 (2012)The numismatics of brave animals
A bronze disc 36 mm in diameter, it is made more than twenty parachute drops
suspended from a riband of three equal while serving with the Special Air
bands of green, dark brown and pale Service on top-secret missions in Africa
blue. The obverse bears the central and Italy; “Ricky”, a canine mine-
inscription, “For Gallantry. We Also detector which continued the dangerous
Serve”, surrounded by a beribboned task of clearing a canal bank in Holland
non-fruiting laurel circlet (Fig. 2). The despite suffering head injuries; the
reverse is engraved with the date, name Search and Rescue Dogs, “Beauty”,
of recipient and details of the award. The “Peter”, “Irma” and “Jet”, which
medal is also portrayed in Portland stone located survivors buried in the debris
in the Animals in War Memorial in Park of the London Blitz; and the London
Lane, London, designed and sculpted by Metropolitan Police horses, “Olga”,
David Backhouse and unveiled by the “Regal” and “Upstart”, which overcame
Princess Royal on 24 November 2004. their fear of fire and the hail of flying
Its principal inscription reads: bombs during the Second World War.
From the pigeon to the elephant A more recent recipient was “Buster”,
they all played a vital role in a six-year-old Springer spaniel which
every region of the world in the won the Dickin Medal for service in
cause of human freedom. Their Iraq in 2003 for discovering a hidden
contribution must never be cache of explosives in the southern city
forgotten.17 of Safwan.19
The Dickin Medal was instituted by A large number of awards were
Mrs Maria Dickin (1870-1951) in 1942, bestowed on pigeons flown by the
and the first award was made a year Secret Operations Executive in the
later. It is known as the “Animals’ VC”, Second World War. To prevent pigeons
and the qualifying criteria are for any carrying secret messages from the
animal displaying conspicuous gallantry Resistance in Occupied France, the
and devotion to duty associated with, or Germans kept raptors at ports on the
under the control of, any branch of the English Channel. One recipient of the
Armed Forces or Civil Defence units in Dickin Medal, “Mary”, a pigeon from
circumstances of conflict.18 It is awarded Exeter, flew back to England across the
by the (UK) People’s Dispensary for Channel “with her neck and right breast
Sick Animals. ripped open, savaged by hawks kept by
To date some sixty-two Dickin the Germans at Calais”.20
Medals have been awarded, but only ten Only two Dickin Medals have been
since 1949. These have included thirty- awarded to Australian animals, one of
one pigeons, twenty-seven dogs, three these was to a Tasmanian Blue Bar cock
horses and one cat. Notable recipients pigeon number DD-43 T139, part of
have included: “Rob”, a para-dog which the loft of the No. 47 Australian Water
JNAA 22, 2011 (2012) 55John Pearn
was shelled in the Yangtze River. The
Royal Navy crew suffered 42 casualties
including 17 dead. Simon was injured
in the blast but won the award for
continuing to dutifully dispose of rats.
Three dogs were awarded Dickin
Medals for loyalty and gallantry
following the terrorist atrocities in New
York of 11 September 2001. One was
“Apollo”, one of the search and rescue
dogs selected by ballot from more than
300 such dogs to receive the award.
Replicas of the Dickin Medal, in cast
steel, are also known.23
2. PDSA Gold Medal (from 1969)
This decoration replaced the earlier
Silver Medal awarded by the People’s
Figure 2. The Dickin Medal. Dispensary for Sick Animals, and is
Transport Company based at Madang a gilt disc 45mm in diameter. Three
during the New Guinea Campaign. Bred awards have been made since 1969.24
in 1943, by July 1945 “Pigeon 139 had One recipient of the Gold Medal was
flown more than a thousand miles on 23 “Bamsi”, an heroic Saint Bernard dog
missions”. It won the “Animal VC” for honoured with a statue and a book.25
flying 64 kilometres through a tropical Another was “Cracker”, a yellow
storm, carrying an urgent message from Labrador Retriever in Northern Ireland’s
a stricken barge. The message read: Search and Rescue Dog Team, awarded
Engine failed. Washed on beach the PDSA Gold Medal in 1999 for
at Wadau owing heavy seas. Send service in the 1999 Turkish Earthquake
help immediately. Craft filling up Rescue Efforts.
with sand.21
Pigeon 139’s Dickin Medal is on 3. National [UK] Canine Defence
display at the Australian War Memorial, League Bronze Medal
Canberra.22 Instituted in 1890, the League
A “feline” Dickin Medal was intended that this bronze medal be
awarded to “Simon”, the ship’s cat of awarded to dogs “for brave acts”.26
HMS Amethyst in an engagement in the The Medal is a bronze disc, 30 mm in
Chinese Civil War on 20 April 1949. diameter, suspended by a red riband.
During this operation, the Amethyst The obverse portrays the allegorical
56 JNAA 22, 2011 (2012)The numismatics of brave animals
figure of Victory. She is standing with Canine Medal for perceived acts of
a sword, impaling a vanquished dragon, bravery by dogs serving with the
her right hand resting on the head of a military. One such recipient was
mastiff. “Sarge”, a Collie which rescued buried
humans, other dogs and cats during the
4. Dogs Trust (UK) Gallant Canine London Blitz. It later worked as a mine
Medal detecting dog in the D-day landings in
The Dogs Trust was established France. With its handler and the sappers
at the outbreak of the First World War of the mine clearing team, Sarge
to protect dogs’ welfare.27 The medal advanced through to Germany from
by Spink is bronze, 64 millimetres in June 1944 over the ensuing six months.
diameter. At the outbreak of war, the
British Government planned to destroy 5. The Purple Cross (Royal Society for
fifty percent of dogs in the belief that the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
food would be too scarce to waste Australia)
on them. A campaign led by the Dogs The highest Australian award for
Trust persuaded the Government to animal courage is the Purple Cross. It
abandon the plan. Dogs Trust helped is a pewter disc with a central purple
soldiers’ families pay for dog licences. enamelled cross, 50mm x 4mm,
In the Second World War, the Trust weighing 90 gr. It was instituted in
issued instructions about protecting 1993,
the family dogs during air raids and to recognise the deeds of animals
anticipated gas attacks. Its Dogs Trust which have shown outstanding
Leaflet 489 advised about using family service to humans, particularly
dogs to protect the family from Nazi if they show exceptional courage
invaders. The Trust advised specifically in risking their own safety or life
about Invader Guard Dogs and their to save a person from injury or
deployment: death.29
Domestic dogs and the Invader The name derives from the Purple
Guard Dogs usually kept outside Cross Service of Victoria, usually
should be brought indoors at referred to as the Purple Cross Society.
night to give timely warning of the It was established in Melbourne on
approach of German paratroops 28 January 1915, as the Australian
and may protect the family by Society of a world-wide animal welfare
menacing or attacking stray body with its headquarters in Paris. In
marauders. Kept outside on a Britain, its equivalent was the Blue
chain, guard dogs will be easy Cross Fund, formally the Society for the
victims to enemy tommy-guns.28 Encouragement of Kindness to Animals.
The Dogs Trust awards a Gallant The Fund’s objectives were to establish
JNAA 22, 2011 (2012) 57John Pearn
veterinary hospitals for wounded war upon dogs. They were deemed to have
horses close to the battlefields in France exhibited great courage in the face of
in the First World War, and to provide what humans perceived as potentially
resources to humanely euthanise those mortal risk. The Purple Cross has had
many thousands of horses too badly a distinct historical flavour. Besides the
wounded to recover.30 The Purple Cross Cross awarded to Simpson’s donkey 82
Service of Victoria took as its terms of years after Gallipoli, RSPCA Australia
reference the raising of funds to provide awarded another Purple Cross medal
equipment and veterinary care for the to “Wee Jock”, the mortally wounded
horses of the Australian Light Horse Pikeman’s Dog, 143 years after the
Brigade. The Purple Cross Society latter demonstrated loyalty at the
was disbanded in 1971, its functions Eureka Stockade. It was presented at
formally subsumed by the Victorian the Ballarat Fine Art Gallery on 30
Branch of the RSPCA. November 1997. The ceremony took
The first Purple Cross was awarded place in front of the original Eureka
on 25 September 1996 to “Fizo”, a Flag that the dying Pikeman defended
nine-year old Silky terrier. Fizo saved at Eureka Stockade in 1854. Detective
four children threatened by an Eastern Sergeant Peter Lalor, the great-great-
Brown snake although bitten and grandson of Peter Lalor, the leader of the
severely envenomed. The second award, diggers at Eureka Stockade, accepted
one which adorned the office wall of the award on behalf of the Eureka Trust:
the author during his appointment as The Pikeman’s Dog, a little
Surgeon General of the Australian terrier, showed great devotion
Defence Force (1998-2000), was and bravery at the death of his
bestowed posthumously by the Acting master at the Eureka Stockade
Prime Minister, Mr Tim Fischer, to on 3 December 1854. As a result
“Murphy”, Simpson’s Gallipoli donkey, of the attack on the miners
on 19 May 1997 (Fig. 3).31 Murphy’s by Crown forces, five British
Citation reads: soldiers and some thirty miners
Awarded posthumously to died. Among the miners lay a
Simpson’s donkey ‘Murphy’ and Pikeman, mortally wounded with
for all the donkeys used by John some 15 wounds. Guarding his
Simpson Kirkpatrick for the body throughout the hours it lay
exceptional work they performed unclaimed at the battlefield, and
on behalf of humans while under later accompanying it on the
continual fire at Gallipoli during death cart as the remaining bodies
World War I (1915). were transferred to the cemetery,
Prior to 2002, five of the first six was this little companion, “Wee
Purple Cross awards were bestowed Jock.32
58 JNAA 22, 2011 (2012)The numismatics of brave animals Figure 3. The Purple Cross awarded posthumously to “Simpson’s donkey ‘Murphy’ and for all the donkeys used by John Simpson…. Under continual fire at Gallipoli during World War I”. Photograph: John Pearn. JNAA 22, 2011 (2012) 59
John Pearn
The most recent Purple Cross was 7. Royal New Zealand Society for
awarded to “Sarbi”, the bomb-sniffing the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
dog of the Australian Army, for his Bravery Award Medal
service in Afghanistan.33 A Labrador- The first New Zealand legislation
Newfoundland cross, Sarbi was to protect animals was passed in 1878
decorated for action in the same military and in 1882 the Dunedin Society for the
operation for which Corporal Mark Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was
Donaldson was awarded the Victoria formed. A national Executive Council
Cross.34 was formed in 1951 which united more
than 50 local Societies. It operates under
6. National [Australia] Animal Valour the abbreviated title of the Society for
Award the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Its
This award is Australia’s second first Bravery Award Medal was struck
highest award for animal bravery. It was in 9-carat gold. Two Bravery Award
instituted in 1998 by RSPCA Australia Medals, each with a suspensory ribbon
“to honour the performance of a deed of blue and white, were awarded before
by an animal that displays exceptional it was ceased in 1957.
courage in the face of danger, thereby
greatly benefiting a human or humans”35. 8. Stillman Award Medal (American
Eight awards were made prior to 2005. Humane Society)
The first marsupial to be decorated for This medal is named in honour of
gallantry, “Lulu”, was a pet Eastern Dr. William O. Stillman, physician and
Grey kangaroo which was awarded President of the Society 1905-1924.
the Australian National Animal Valour The medal is a silver disc. A notable
Medal on 19 May 2004 “in recognition recipient of this Medal, in 1984, was
of her life-saving actions”.36 It was the “Priscilla”, the pig that saved a child
ninth animal to receive the RSPCA’s from drowning. Its portrait and story
second highest award and “the first ever are featured in the Texas Animal Hall of
native marsupial”. Lulu raised the alarm Fame.
when her owner, Mr Len Richards,
of Tanzil (east of Melbourne) was War service medals to animals
knocked unconscious by a falling tree A second class of medals comprises
branch. Lulu discovered Mr Richards those bestowed on animals for war
and “barked like a dog persistently service. Until 2009, these are almost
until finally his family were alerted exclusively American, although “Just
and came to see what was causing the Nuisance”, the only dog to have been
commotion”.37 Mr Len Richards later officially enlisted in the Royal Navy, was
described her as “a particularly smart also buried with full military honours
kangaroo”.38 upon her death in 1944. The Corporal
60 JNAA 22, 2011 (2012)The numismatics of brave animals
Chesty Dogs, a series of bulldogs which Detector Dogs, and one, “Razz”, which
are formally enlisted in the US Marine was killed in Afghanistan on service
Corps, serve as official mascots of the with 2 Combat Engineer Regiment,
Corps. Most attain the rank of Corporal. were awarded the inaugural ADF
One of them, Corporal Chesty III, was TWDA Medals.42
awarded a U.S. Good Conduct Medal.39
The tradition of enlisting dogs in the US Coins and medals – animals as
Armed Forces dates from World War metaphors of virtue
1, when Sergeant “Stubby” became the Animals are depicted on thousands
most decorated American war dog in of different coins in which the animal
US history. Sergeant Stubby lived for is a metaphor for the virtues of beauty,
ten years (c.1916-1926) and surviving grace or courage. In Australia, several
photographs show him wearing a coat coins have been issued to denote the
adorned with at least five medals. He courage of specific animals. Examples
was also a mascot of Georgetown are the 2000 Australian 5-dollar coin
University. “Sinbad”, a dog enlisted (stainless steel and aluminium bronze)
in the US Coast Guard, was even featuring Phar Lap, the 1930 winner
the subject of a canine biography.40 of the Melbourne Cup; and the 1990
Sinbad rose to the rank of Chief Petty 5-dollar coin featuring Simpson and his
Officer, and is the subject of one of the donkey.
US Coast Guard’s “Frequently Asked Specially selected men, often
Questions”.41 retired Regimental Sergeant Majors, are
The Australian Defence Act of 1903 employed as the Queen’s Messengers,
prohibits the Australian Government called the Silver Greyhounds. They
from issuing military medals to any personally carry messages to the
animal. By 2009, there were some Queen and Heads of State when they
200 Military Working Dogs serving are abroad. The Queen’s Messengers
with the Royal Australian Air Force, are identified by the possession of a
and dozens more served in mortal risk case containing a silver medallion on
duties as Explosive Detector Dogs in which is portrayed a greyhound. The
Afghanistan. In 2008, with full approval Queen’s Messenger Service began in
of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) 1660, when the monarch (King Charles
and State Government Dog Agencies, II) was living in exile in Holland. The
the ADF Trackers and War Dogs King employed this medallic sign to
Association (TWDA) designed and identify his trusted servants to carry
issued medals for dogs that had served secret information across the English
overseas. The risk of a violent death to Channel to his supporters in England.
such dogs is significant. In March 2009, The anthropomorphic qualities ascribed
four surviving Tracker and Explosive to the greyhound were loyalty, fleetness
JNAA 22, 2011 (2012) 61John Pearn
and focused purpose. Colombophile (the “Pigeon Fanciers’
Other numerous badges and logos Olympics”) held at Alexandra Palace in
of animals portray the anthropomorphic London in 1963.44 Pigeons from twenty-
qualities of bravery and loyalty. One six nations competed in that animal
Australian example is the 2001 Royal Olympiad.
Sydney Easter Show badge which
features Banjo Paterson’s The Man from Medals to Humans for Saving Animal
Snowy River and his loyal horse which Life
was ridden to exhaustion. Another is the It is a supreme act of altruism to
international iconic logo and trademark put one’s life at risk to save an animal.
of His Master’s Voice Company, The author has researched the subject of
depicting the loyalty of a dog listening “Drowning for Love” in the Australian
to his master’s voice in the bell-shaped, context, where more than one hundred
fluted speaker of an early hand-wound and forty individuals (often parents of
gramophone. children) have themselves drowned
over ten years in trying to save a human
Performance Medals for Primacy in or animal struggling in the water.45
Strength and Exertion In 1900 the British National
This family of medals includes the Canine Defence League instituted its
many thousands of awards for place- Silver Medal to commemorate and
getters in horse races, greyhound reward “Acts of bravery or exceptional
races and other competitions where humanity in the rescue of dogs from
endurance, fleetness and competitive dangerous situations”.
performance are rewarded. Examples The UK Royal Society for the
are the medals awarded by the British Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’
Royal Pigeon Racing Association. highest award for rescuing animals is
This body awards four medallions, its Silver Medal. It is rarely awarded.
in addition to its other trophies: the “[O]ne of the most dangerous, difficult
Trawlerman’s Messenger Medallion, and longest animal rescue operations
the J.M. Young Medallion, the German ever recorded” was recognised by the
Middle Distance Medallion and the Vic Silver Medal to the Cornwall Miners
Johnson Long Distance Medallion.43 Rescue Operation in 2003. Two Jack
An example of a Long Distance Russell terriers, “Dink” and “Tyde”
Medal awarded to a pigeon was that fell down a crevasse from the hilltop
awarded to “Iron Man”, a five-year at Godrevy Head, Gwithian, on 16
old pigeon flown by the Richardson September 2003. The Cornwall Mines
brothers, coalminers of North Seaton Rescue Team undertook the dangerous
Colliery in Northumberland. Iron and difficult rescue, 21 metres below
Man won the medal at the Olympiade the surface, using abseiling and caving
62 JNAA 22, 2011 (2012)The numismatics of brave animals
techniques. The planning and execution fifth RSPCA Australia Humane Award
of the successful rescue took five days.46 Medal was presented to Mr Guy Ellis,
The medal is a bronze disk, 40 mm in then seventeen years of age. Mr Ellis
diameter suspended from a white ribbon dragged an elderly man from a burning
with central and lateral red vertical flat then returned to the flat to rescue the
stripes. man’s dog, “Buster”. It was the opinion
The People’s Dispensary for Sick of the Fire Service that had Mr Ellis not
Animals Cross is “Awarded to people intervened, the man, and certainly his
who have performed acts of bravery dog, would have perished.
involving animals”. This fine medal,
a silver enamelled cross pattée, 32mm Conclusion
in diameter, features St Giles on the Humankind has co-evolved with
obverse; and is suspended from a animals following their domestication
ribbon composed of a broad central red in Neolithic times. The destinies of
band with a narrow blue central stripe humans and animals, both wild and
and broad white edges. Similarly, The domestic, are intertwined, with the
Royal New Zealand SPCA bestows nexus symbolised in enduring form
its Gold Medal of Merit to humans for in the numismatic record. Coins and
distinguished service to animal welfare, medals portray a bond so close that
including personal gallantry in attempts kings and countries adopt the symbols
to rescue distressed animals. of animal virtue as their emblems.
In 1990 the RSPCA Australia In turn the representatives of society
established its Humane Award Medal bestow human emblems of esteem on
and Certificate: individual animals – that the virtues
To recognise persons who have of duty, service and courage might
rescued an animal, and in doing so, transcend the barriers that otherwise
have shown exceptional courage partition the living world.
and bravery and risked their own
personal safety. Acknowledgements
One RSPCA Australia Humane I thank Mr James Noble of Noble
Award Medal has been awarded Numismatics, Sydney, Mrs Gillian
approximately every two years. The Edwards, Librarian of Green Templeton
third RSPCA Australia Humane Award College Oxford, Ms Jenny McLachlan
Medal was awarded posthumously on of Brisbane, and Mrs Lynne Packer
31 October 1996 to the family of the of Brisbane. I also acknowledge the
late Thomas Windsor. Mr Windsor substantial work by the Editor and the
was killed on 20 December 1995, reviewers in editing and reviewing my
accidentally struck by a car, whilst trying draft. Any remaining errors or omissions
to save the life of an injured koala. The are of course my own.
JNAA 22, 2011 (2012) 63John Pearn
Notes. Memorial in ‘Dogs We Trust’, Mentioned
1. Other reasons included puns on a city’s in Despatches (January 2008): 22. On
name such as the seal for Phokis, and 30 October 2007 the Royal Australian
examples from mythology. Engineers dedicated a memorial to
2. Animal Symbols, http://www.animal- Explosive Detection and Tracker Dogs at
symbols.com/lion-symbol.html and http:// the School of Military Engineering, Casula.
www.animal-symbols.com/eagle-symbol. The sandstone Memorial bears the plaque:
html (accessed 18 August 2011). Dedicated to the Explosive Detection
3. Portmann, A. (1963) Animals as Social Dogs who
Beings, translated from German by Coburn, have paid the ultimate sacrifice so
O., London: 100. others may live.
4. Douglas, K. (2007) ‘Just Like Us’ New My eyes are your eyes, to watch and
Scientist 194 (No.2606): 46-49. protect yours.
5. Lemonick, M. and Dorfman, A. (2006) My ears are your ears, to hear and
‘What Makes Us Different?’ Time (9 detect evil minds in the dark
October): 39-45. ‘Lest we Forget’.
6. Coghlan, A. (February 2003) ‘A Sad A memorial to horses which served in
Farewell for Dolly the Sheep, the World’s war is to be found in St Jude on the
first cloned Mammal’ New Scientist 22: 5. Hill, a church in Hampstead, London. It
7. Olmert, M. (2001) Made for Each Other: honours the millions of horses that have
The Biology of the Human-Animal Bond, been requisitioned for British war service.
Cambridge MA. The wording of the Memorial includes
8. Wolf, M., Sander, van D, Olof, L. and the phrase: “Most obediently and often
Weissing, F. (2007) ‘Life-history trade- most painfully they died – faithful unto
offs favour the evolution of animal death”. The Animals in War Memorial
personalities’ Nature 447: 581; Stamps, J. in Park Lane, at Brook Gate near Marble
(2007) ‘Growth-mortality tradeoffs and Arch in central London contains, on its
‘personality traits’ in animals’ Ecology wall, a depiction of the Dickin Medal. The
Letters 10: 355-363; Hooper, R. (June Memorial was designed and sculpted by
2007) ‘What separates ‘hawk’ from David Backhouse, under the patronage of
‘dove’?’ New Scientist 2: 14. The Animals in War Memorial Fund, and
9. Pearn, J. (Dec. 2011) ‘Animal unveiled by Princess Anne, the Princess
Anthropomorphism: Virtue Beyond Duty’ Royal, on 24 Nov 2004. Cf. also the portrait
Queensland News (Bull. of the Australian in Gardiner, J. (2006) The Animals’ War:
Veterinary Association): 14-15. Animals in Wartime from the First World
10. Paxton, D. (2011) Why It’s Okay to Talk to War to the Present Day, London.
Your Dog, Brisbane: 169. 15. Vestey, M. ‘Animal Magic’ The Spectator
11. ‘The Story of Japan’s Most Faithful [UK weekly journal] No. 9178 (3 July
Dog’, Dogs in the News 11/1, http:// 2004): 50.
dogsinthenews.com/issues/0107/ 16. Editor, Medal Yearbook 2007, Honiton,
articles/010704b.htm (accessed July 2001). Devon, UK: 302.
12. ‘The Story of Scotland’s Most Famous 17. The Animals in War Memorial Fund
Dog’, Dogs in the News 11/1, http:// [UK]. The Animals in War Memorial was
dogsinthenews.com/issues/0107/ designed and sculpted by David Backhouse
articles/010704a.htm (accessed July 2001). and unveiled by Princess Anne, the Princess
13. ‘BALTO – Historical Sign’, New York Royal on 24 November 2004. It is situated
City Department of Parks and Recreation at Brook Gate in a between-lanes park
website www.nycgovparks.org (accessed setting in Park Lane, Marble Arch, London,
20 August 2011). Iditarod Race website opposite Hyde Park. The Memorial is
accessed at www.iditarod.com. constructed in Portland stone, 17.68 metres
14. EDD [Explosive Detection Dog] wide and 16.76 metres deep. Its animal
64 JNAA 22, 2011 (2012)The numismatics of brave animals
figures of mules, a horse and a dog are Leaflet No. 489, 1940, www.dogstrust.org.
of cast bronze. There are three principal uk) advised that domestic dogs which were
elements in the design – two different not useful as Invader Guard Dogs:
levels with a dominating and powerful should be kept indoors when the church
wall between them. On the lower level, bells ring and, if they have to be taken
two heavily laden bronze mules struggle out, they should be on a strong lead,
through an arena, enclosed by the Portland attached to a good collar or harness
stone wall symbolising the war experience. with the name and address of the
The mules approach a flight of steps that owner inscribed, according to law.
leads through the wall. Beyond the wall, 29. Editor, RSPCA Australia Purple Cross
on the upper level, a bronze horse and dog Award, http://www.rspca.org.au/news_
stand facing north into the gardens, bearing info/purple_cross.htm (accessed 7 February
witness to the loss of their comrades and 2002).
representing hope for the future. On the 30. Begley, B. (2009) ‘Purple Cross Service of
outside of the wall on the memorial is a Victoria’ Bull Aust Numismatic Soc (Qld
line of ghostly silhouettes, representing the Branch) 32: 14.
animals lost in conflicts. See http://www. 31. Office of the Surgeon General, Australian
animalsinwar.org.uk/index.cfm?asset_ Defence Force. Framed original citation
id=1374 (accessed 18 August 2011). of the Purple Cross Award, bestowed by
18. Wilson, G. (2002) ‘“We also Serve” - the Royal Society for the Prevention of
Maria Dickin and her “Animal VC”’ Royal Cruelty to Animals Australia on 19 May
United Service Institute Qld Bulletin: 22- 1997. Campbell Park Offices, Department
25. of Defence, Canberra, Australia.
19. ‘Animal War Heroes Statue Unveiled’ 32. Editor, RSPCA op. cit.: Ref 40, p.2.
BBC News Broadcast transcript, http:// 33. Oakes, D. ‘Bomb-sniffing dog’s award a
newsvote.bbc.co.uk/mpapps/pagetools/ cross to bear’ Sydney Morning Herald (6
print/news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4037873.stm April 2011): 6.
(accessed 18 August 2011). 34. Canning, S. ‘A Beer with Mates for Legacy:
20. Gardiner, J. (2006) The Animals’ War: Sarbi receives the RSPCA’s highest award
Animals in Wartime from the First World yesterday’ The Australian (6 April 2011):
War to the Present Day, London, Imperial 8.
War Museum: 102. 35. Editor, RSPCA ibid.
21. Smith, L. (Winter 2009) ‘For Gallantry – 36. Hanoman, F. (2004) ‘Lulu – The Brave
Pigeons of War’ Qld RSL News: 9. Kangaroo’ J Life Saving Awards Research
22. Catalogue ID RELAW M 30697.001. Soc 51: 40-41.
23. Noble Numismatics (Sydney) auction 37. Ibid.
catalogue 8019, July 2003: lot 2434 - a 38. The Latrobe Valley Express [Daily
Dickin Medal cast in steel (43 mm) with Victorian newspaper] (22 Sept 2003; 2 Oct
suspender and ribbon. 2003).
24. Editor, Medal Yearbook 2007, Honiton, 39. Editor, United States Marine Corps Press,
Devon, UK: 302. Heritage Press, Marine Corps Mascot,
25. Whitson, A., and Orr, A. (2008) Sea dog http://www.usmcpress.com/heritage/
Bamse, Birlinn. marine_corps_mascot.htm (accessed 6
26. Medal Yearbook 2007: ibid. September 2011). Adapted from Sturkey,
27. Ballard, P. (1990) A Dog is for Life: M. (2011) Warrior Culture of the US Army
Celebrating the first 100 years of the Marine Corps, South Carolina.
National Canine Defence League, Bath 40. Foley, G. Jr. (1945) Sinbad of the Coast
Press, Bath UK: Chapter 2. Guard, New York.
28. With the threat of German invasion in 41. (US) ‘Coast Guard History: Frequently
1940-41, the Dogs’ Trust advised about the Asked Questions’. Sinbad USCG (Ret.)
impending crisis. A pamphlet (Dogs Trust K9C (Chief Petty Officer, Dog), http://
JNAA 22, 2011 (2012) 65John Pearn
www.uscg.mil/history/faqs/Sinbad.asp. he has long advocated the importance of
42. Lynam, K. (Autumn 2009) ‘Canine Heroes pets in children’s lives, and has delivered
– Man’s Best Friend on the Frontline’Qld
RSL News: 8. invited papers to the Australian College
43. The Royal Pigeon Racing Association: of Veterinary Surgeons and to various
Performance Awards, http://www.rpra- world conferences on human-animal
ne.demon.co.uk/page7.html (accessed 7
February 2002).
medical themes. As a numismatist and
44. Long distance pigeon racing has historian, he has commissioned sixteen
traditionally been a hobby of British medals, as annual or commemorative
coalminers; and of workers in the awards, relating to medicine in
industrial heartlands of Northumberland,
Tyne and Wear and Durham. Pigeons fly Australia; and has published on
competitively over several hundred miles, medical numismatics in both national
in competitions which may extend over six and international journals.
years or more of a bird’s life.
45. Pearn J. and Franklin, R. (2011) ‘Drowning
for love: the aquatic victim-instead-of-
rescuer syndrome: drowning fatalities
involving those attempting to rescue a
child’ Journal of Paediatrics and Child
Health 47: 44-47.
46. ‘The Rescue of Dink and Tyde 16 to 21
September 2003’, accessed at: http://www.
poldark-mine.co.uk/rescue.htm 20 August
2011.
Professor John Pearn is the Patron
of the Australian Numismatic Society.
The senior clinical paediatrician at the
Royal Children’s Hospital in Brisbane,
he has served also as a Visiting
Professor severally in Paediatrics,
Medical Genetics and Children’s
Welfare, in the United Kingdom, South
Africa, the Philippines, Malaysia and
the United States. In a second career
in military medicine, he served on
active operational service in Papua
New Guinea (during the Confrontation
in 1966), in the Vietnam Campaign
(1970) and as the Intensivist and
Resuscitationist in the United Nations
Emergency Response (UNAMIR II) in
Rwanda in 1994-95. As a paediatrician
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