Dickin Medal Recipient. Hatched in Cairo, Egypt, he flew for the Middle East Pigeon Service under the designation 1263 MEPS 43. He was assigned a position with the crew of an American bomber in June of 1943. When the craft suffered mechanical difficulties and had to ditch in the Mediterranean, the stranded crew released Tyke with a summons for assistance. The bird traveled over 100 miles through heavy rain and fog in order to deliver the message. He was awarded the Dickin Medal, also know as the animal VC, that December for his actions. He was one of the first three pigeons so honored. His citation reads: "For delivering a message under exceptionally difficult conditions and so contributing to the rescue of an Air Crew, while serving with the RAF in the Mediterranean in June, 1943." The air crew upon rescue said they owed their lives to Tyke. In July of 2000, Tyke's Dickin Medal was auctioned in London where it sold for £4,830 and is currently in a private collection in Australia. Tyke was alternately known as George.
Dickin Medal Recipient. Hatched in Cairo, Egypt, he flew for the Middle East Pigeon Service under the designation 1263 MEPS 43. He was assigned a position with the crew of an American bomber in June of 1943. When the craft suffered mechanical difficulties and had to ditch in the Mediterranean, the stranded crew released Tyke with a summons for assistance. The bird traveled over 100 miles through heavy rain and fog in order to deliver the message. He was awarded the Dickin Medal, also know as the animal VC, that December for his actions. He was one of the first three pigeons so honored. His citation reads: "For delivering a message under exceptionally difficult conditions and so contributing to the rescue of an Air Crew, while serving with the RAF in the Mediterranean in June, 1943." The air crew upon rescue said they owed their lives to Tyke. In July of 2000, Tyke's Dickin Medal was auctioned in London where it sold for £4,830 and is currently in a private collection in Australia. Tyke was alternately known as George.
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