| Place | Oceania: Pacific Islands, Bismarck Archipelago, Admiralty Islands, Manus, Manus Island |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | RELAWM30698.001 |
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Award |
| Physical description | Bronze |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Place made | United Kingdom |
| Date made | 1944 |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
Dickin Medal : Pigeon Q879
Description
Dickin Medal with blue, brown and green ribbon, issued by the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals. Obverse is embossed 'PDSA For GALLANTRY We also Serve.' Reverse is engraved 'D D43 Q879 Australian Corps of Signals S.W. Pacific February 1944 A.F.M.C. 1182 No 42'. Note error in month of award. Pigeon Q879 carried the message that earned him the medal on 5 April 1944.
History / Summary
Awarded to Blue Chequer cock pigeon No D D43 Q879, from Q Loft No. 5 of 1 Australian Pigeon Section, attached to the US forces, Manus Island, Admiralty Islands 5th April 1944 'for gallantry carrying a message through heavy fire thereby bringing relief to a patrol surrounded and attacked by the enemy without other means of communication'.
The bird was bred by Mr A J Flavell Esq, 15 Vauntier Street, Elwood S3 Victoria, and donated to the AIF.