Rifleman Khan War Dog 147

For bravery in battle during the Second World War. Khan the German Shepherd Dog was awarded the PDSA Dicken Medal, the Victoria Cross for animals.

On the night of November 2nd 1944 off the Dutch island of Walcheren the landing assault craft Khan and his handler Lance Corporal James Muldoon were travelling in came under heavy fire. The boat capsized and Muldoon and Khan were thrown in the water.

Khan swam to the shore, searching 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 to Strathaven.