Feline Heroes: Five Well-Known Cats Of War

When mentioning animals in wartime, what comes to most people’s minds is dogs with their ability to track and attack. While cats are not as formidable as dogs, they also have their own way to contribute to the army.

Most cats make excellent ratters that will keep the harm of rats at bay. And just like human, some felines were so brave and competent that they have helped saving soldiers’ lives or showed exemplary courage, deserving of special recognition.

Crimean Tom

Crimean Tom, or Sevastopol Tom, was a war hero, but by accident. In 1854, during the Crimean War, he was found by Lieutenant William Gair when the French and British force was in Sevastopol, a Russian port town. When the troops were suffering from starvation, Tom led them to caches of hidden supplies of the Russian defenders.

Tom had never been a military cat, but for his great merit that saved the lives of the troops, he was adopted as their mascot and brought back to England when these soldiers were called back.

Tiddles

Tiddles grew up as a ship cat and he appeared on a handful of Royal Navy aircraft carriers. He was the official Captain’s Cat in the 1940s with the HMS Victorious. During the length of his naval service, he had traveled more than 30,000 miles, suggesting that he may have fulfilled his duty well. Tiddles may be the reason why black cats are thought to bring good lucks in Britain.

Faith, The Faithful Church Cat

One of the most well-known stories of cats in wartime is about Faith, a feline lived in London in 1936, at Saint Augustine’s Church. On the 6^th of September, 1940, Faith, the mother cat suddenly took Panda, her baby tomcat to the basement and settle there, refusing to return to her clean and warm basket.

A day later, German aircraft raided London with air bombs so she and her kitten were buried under the rubble of the church. They were later rescued by Father Henry Ross. The two felines made it out alive and Faith was awarded a medal for her bravery.

Able Seacat Simon

Able Seacat Simon first started his career as the formal ratter of the Royal Navy’s HMS Amethyst. He was so good with his role that Simon was awarded twice in 1949.

The first one given to him was after an incident with the Chinese forces, he received an Amethyst campaign ribbon for pulling off an excellent service. The other one was a Dickin Medal, awarded to animals with a special contribution in World War II. Able Seacat Simon is the only feline that has ever received this honor.

When Simon died, he was given full naval honors.

PFC. Hammer

A good ratter will be of use no matter when and where. When Pfc. Hammer first came to US Army troops during their tour in Iraq in 2004, he proved himself to be a competent mouser when he kept the food supply of the soldiers safe from rats.

His service has won him the hearts and minds of the troops and they later made him an honorary member of the troop. After their deployment, Hammer was brought to America thanks to the aid of Military Mascots and Alley Cat Allies.

He is now leading a civilian life with Staff Sgt. Rick Bousfield.