Eeeeeeee! I didn't know they'd gotten caracals!
A Personal Tribute to Able Seacat Simon D.M., R.N.Within the recorded History of England, there have been many stories and epitaphs written about our nations favourite pet, the cat. Amongst them, one stands out. A black and white tom, whose name was “Simon”. He alone, was the recipient of the animal equivalent of the “Victoria Cross” for bravery, that of the Dickin Medal awarded by the PDSA (Peoples Dispensary for Sick Animals). Simon, a stray kitten, was rescued from Stonecutters Island in Hong Kong in May 1948 by one of the crew of HMS Amethyst, Ordinary Seaman George Hickinbottom. His destiny had, at that moment been sealed. On 20th April 1949 the Amethyst was on her way up the Yangtze River to relieve the Destroyer HMS Consort in Nanking. She was on her “lawful and peaceful occasions”. During the outrage of the attack on the ship that followed, “Simon” was knocked unconscious and seriously wounded. He sustained multiple shrapnel wounds, his whiskers burnt off and bleeding gashes on both his back legs. He was not expected to survive.The gentle hands of one of his shipmates, retrieved him from the debris. Much to the relief of the crew, very gradually nature did her work and Simon recovered. This stalwart cat was back on parade. Nothing could have given our lads more pleasure and boosted their moral, than to see him on his daily inspections of his ship and to have had him curl up, purring, on their hammocks.The special comfort he gave to those that were sick or injured during the long and desperate months that followed cannot be forgotten. Respect for him grew with his daily duty to protect the dwindling food supply from the ever present threat of rats. Although recovering from his wounds, he never tired in the grim struggle, to clear his ship of vermin. Someone on board the Amethyst, was heard to say “that cat deserves a medal”. How prophetic this turned out to be!The exploits of this valiant cat became public news here at home in England. Many a letter was written, enquiring after the health of Simon, even tins of Sardines, which were his favourite, were sent to him. Simon came home, with his ship to England. I was taken by my Grandfather to see Amethyst on her arrival in Devonport and to meet Simon. At only four years old, whilst in Quarantine, on November the 28th 1949 Simons spirit, slipped quietly away to sea. He was buried in The PDSA Animal Cemetery at Ilford.
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