Tich (dog) facts for kids
| Species | Dog |
|---|---|
| Breed | Mixed-breed dog |
| Sex | Female |
| Born | 1940 |
| Died | 1959 |
| Resting place | PDSA's pet cemetery in Ilford, Essex |
| Nation from |  Egyptian |
| Employer | King's Royal Rifle Corps |
| Awards | Dickin Medal |
Tich (1940–1959) was a brave military dog who served during World War II. She was a special mascot for the King's Royal Rifle Corps, a group of soldiers. In 1949, Tich received the Dickin Medal, a very important award for animals. After the war, she lived a happy life in the UK with her soldier friend. When she passed away, she was buried in a special pet cemetery run by the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA).
Tich's Military Service
In 1941, during the Western Desert Campaign in North Africa, soldiers found a small mixed-breed dog. They named her Tich and called her "The Desert Rat." She became a beloved mascot for the 1st Battalion of the King's Royal Rifle Corps.
In 1943, Tich became the special companion of Rifleman Thomas Walker. She went everywhere with him, even to the front lines of battle. Tich often rode on the front of a Bren gun carrier (a type of military vehicle) or a jeep.
In 1944, Tich was secretly taken aboard a ship that carried her battalion to Italy. While on the ship, she even had puppies! Rifleman Walker was awarded the Military Medal for his bravery as a medic. He helped wounded soldiers while under fire. Tich stayed by his side every time he was in danger.
Lieutenant-Colonel E. A. W. Williams, the commanding officer, suggested Tich for the Dickin Medal. He said her courage helped many soldiers stay calm during dangerous times. He noted that seeing her riding on the jeep's bonnet gave men hope. She refused to leave her spot, even when bringing in wounded soldiers under heavy fire.
The Dickin Medal Award
Tich received her Dickin Medal on July 1, 1949. Major Peter Earle officially presented it to her on September 3, 1949. This happened at a large event called the Animals' Rally in Wembley, with eight thousand people watching.
Tich's award citation read: "For loyalty, courage and devotion to duty under hazardous conditions of war 1941 to 1945, while serving with the 1st King's Rifle Corps in North Africa and Italy." The Dickin Medal is often called the animal version of the Victoria Cross, which is a very high award for human bravery.
Later Life and Legacy
During her lifetime, Tich gave birth to fifteen puppies. After the war ended, she lived with Rifleman Walker at his home in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. They both helped raise money for the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA). The PDSA is the organization that gives out the Dickin Medal.
Tich passed away in 1959. She was buried at the PDSA's Ilford Animal Cemetery. Many other animals who received the Dickin Medal are also buried there. Tich's Dickin Medal is now kept at the Royal Green Jackets (Rifles) Museum in Winchester.
See also
