Rfn Khan War Dog 147

Rifleman Khan

For bravery in the Second World War, Rifleman Khan the German Shepherd dog was awarded the PDSA Dickin Medal, the Victoria Cross for animals on 27th March 1945.

A family pet on loan to the War Office, Khan was assigned to the Sixth Battalion, Cameronians ( Scottish Rifles), where Lance Corporal James Muldoon became his handler.

On the night of Nov 2nd 1944, during the Battle of Scheldt, off the Dutch island of Walcheren ( Oct - Nov 1944), the landing assault craft Khan and Muldoon were travelling in, came under heavy fire. The boat capsized and the soldiers and Khan were thrown into the icy sea water.

Khan swam to the shore looking for his master. But Muldoon could not swim under the weight of his kit and was sinking in the muddy waters.

Under heavy shelling, Khan swam 200 yards back to pull his master from the sea, dragging him through mud until they reached solid ground.

Khan and Muldoon collapsed, both exhausted but both had survived and got through the war to return home.