Episodes
| Episode | Title | First Broadcast | Repeated | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Brave Beginnings | 20040627 | 20190414 (BBC7) 20190415 (BBC7) 20241104 (BBC7) 20071126 (R4) | Dylan Winter traces the history of the PDSA Dickin Medal. Since 1943, 60 animals have been awarded the PDSA Dickin Medal. This is the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross. Dylan Winter traces the history of the award and hears the extraordinary stories of its first recipients - some plucky pigeons during the Second World War. Producer: Sheena Duncan Considered the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross - Dylan Winter traces the history of the PDSA Dickin Medal. From 2004. |
| 02 | The Cat Among The Pigeons | 20040628 | 20190421 (BBC7) 20190422 (BBC7) 20241105 (BBC7) 20071127 | Simon was the captain's cat aboard HMS Amethyst, held captive on the Yangtze River in 1949 Alongside the 32 messenger pigeons awarded the PDSA's Dickin Medal for devotion to duty during wartime sits just one cat. Simon was the captain's cat on-board HMS Amethyst and in 1949 he became caught up in what was to become known as the 'Yangtze Incident' in China. Dylan Winter finds out how, during the 100 days when the ship was held captive, Simon ensured himself a place in history and his medal. Producer: Sheena Duncan The cat awarded the PDSA's Dickin Medal for war service. Only one cat was awarded the PDSA's Dickin Medal for war service - captain's cat Simon living aboard HMS Amethyst. From 2004. |
| 03 | Man's Best Friend | 20040629 | 20190428 (BBC7) 20190429 (BBC7) 20241106 (BBC7) 20071128 (R4) | The majority of dogs awarded PDSA Dickin medals for bravery and devotion to duty won them between 1943 and 1949 as a result of the Second World War and its aftermath. Dylan Winter hears the stories of Rob, Beauty, Judy and Gander - just a few of the many courageous canines who proved they were truly 'man's best friend'. Producer: Sheena Duncan Dylan Winter hears the stories of some of the 24 dogs awarded the PDSA's Dickin medal. Dylan Winter hears amazing tales of the 24 dogs awarded the PDSA's Dickin Medal for Second World War service. From 2004. Dylan Winter hears the stories of Rob, Beauty, Judy and Gander. They are just a few of the many courageous canines who proved they were truly 'man's best friend'. |
| 04 | Dogged Defence | 20040718 | 20190505 (BBC7) 20190506 (BBC7) 20241107 (BBC7) 20060408 (R4) 20071129 (R4) | Dylan Winter learns about the bravery back in 1941 of life-saving Gander the Newfoundland dog in Hong Kong. But what does it take to train military dogs, horses and their handlers today? Will this year's four-legged recruits be Dickin Medal winners in the future for their gallantry? Dylan visits an army base to find out, and meets a recent winner. Producer: Sheena Duncan Dylan Winter learns about the bravery of Gander the Newfoundland dog. From 2004. Dylan Winter learns about the bravery back in 1941 of life-saving Gander the Newfoundland dog in Hong Kong. From 2004. First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2004. |
| 05 LAST | A Brave New World | 20040725 | 20190512 (BBC7) 20190513 (BBC7) 20241108 (BBC7) 20071130 (R4) | Dylan Winter hears about a Labrador involved in a 9/11 rescue. From 2004. Dylan Winter traces the history of the PDSA Dickin Medal. The Labrador involved in a rescue on 9/11. |