LONDON – The P.D.S.A. Dickin Medal for Gallantry, otherwise known as the Victoria Cross for animals, and the R.S.P.C.A. Red Collar for Valour awarded to War Dog Rob for his gallantry and outstanding service during the Second World War, sold for a world record price of £140,000 (hammer) at Noonans on October 12 in an auction of Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria. Bought by a new collector of British gallantry awards, it had been estimated at £20,000-£30,000. The entire proceeds of the lot’s sale will be given to the Taylor McNally Foundation.
It was consigned by Basil Bayne, the son of Rob’s original owner, who now lives in Northern Ireland. The lot also contained an extensive archive including Rob’s collar, a portrait painting, photographs, a certificate, manuscripts, books and letters. The previous world record for a Dickin Medal was paid in 2020, also at Noonans (then Dix Noonan Webb), for the medal awarded to the pigeon Duke of Normandy for his gallantry during D-Day in World War II.
P.D.S.A. Dickin Medal for Gallantry awarded to War Dog Rob for his service to Britain and the Allies during World War II. Rob, a black-and-white collie-retriever, completed 20 parachute jumps in North Africa and Italy. The War Dog Rob lot sold for a hammer price of £140,000 (about $155,000), marking a new world auction record for a Dickin medal. Image courtesy of Noonans and LiveAuctioneers
Rob, a black-and-white collie-retriever, was bought as a puppy from Colemere Farm near Ellesmere in Shropshire in 1939 for five shillings, and lived his early years with the Bayne family of nearby Tetchill as their farm dog and pet. Rob’s owners volunteered him as a War Dog in 1942, and he was signed up on May 19 of that year. Following action in the North Africa campaign, from September 1943, Rob served with the Special Air Service Regiment (SAS), the first war dog to do so. With the regiment, he took part in operations in Italy, parachuting in on sabotage missions. In all, he undertook 20 parachute descents in North Africa and Italy. Rob died in 1952 at the age of 12.
Following the sale, Basil Bayne said: “Wow, I have just picked myself off the floor. I can’t believe the price but I am so delighted that Rob’s story and legacy is held in such high respect and that the important role that he and many other animals have played in conflict is being recognized. The money will all be donated to the charity and will be used to sponsor students studying agriculture and farming including courses in animal welfare and behavior. Rob’s exploits have featured in the degree course on animal behavior taught at Harper Adams University in Shropshire in recent years.”
Head of Client Liaison at Noonans Christopher Mellor-Hill commented: “We knew this was an amazing Dickin Medal and truly believed it would take the world record comfortably but we are really pleased to see Rob the dog make such a spectacular ‘parachute’ landing in smashing the Dickin Medal (Animal V.C.) world record by more than six times. We are so delighted for the family who are donating the proceeds for charity.”
He continued: “Demobilized on November 27, 1945, Rob led the Wembley Parade of 32 war dogs on July 16, 1947 in front of 10,000 spectators, being the only dog present to hold both the Dickin Medal and the R.S.P.C.A. Red Collar and Medallion for Valour. Over the years books have been written about him and he even featured on the front page of the Radio Times. We believe this to be the most important Dickin Medal to ever be sold at auction.”
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The current rate of exchange is £1 = $1.10.
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