Why did cats get diking medals in World War 2?

Answer 1

Simon the cat on the British ship HMS Amethyst received the Dicken Medal in WWII during the Yangtse Incident in which the ship came under attack by Communist forces in China. Many died including the Captain. The cat was wounded, but continued to defend the ship's stores from rats.

Answer 2

Cat - Roll of Honour

Simon

Only one cat has received the PDSA Dickin Medal - brave Simon.

Date of Award: awarded posthumously 1949

"Served on HMS Amethyst during the Yangtze Incident, disposing of many rats though wounded by shell blast. Throughout the incident his behaviour was of the highest order, although the blast was capable of making a hole over a foot in diameter in a steel plate."