Cat News: The Story of Simon "Able Seacat" 09 June 2026

Move over, Crimean Tom and PFC Hammer, there is only one feline in history to ever receive the Dickin Medal, the highest British honor for animal military gallantry. This week, we dive into the incredible and moving life of Simon, a scrawny black-and-white stray who went from the docks of Hong Kong to the international spotlight. When the HMS Amethyst was caught in the crossfire of the Chinese Civil War during the 1949 "Yangtze Incident," the crew faced 101 days of captivity, dwindling rations, and a ship infested with rats. Despite being severely wounded by shrapnel during the initial bombardment, Simon didn't just survive—he stepped up. From boosting the morale of shell-shocked sailors to protecting the ship’s meager food supplies, Simon proved that bravery comes in all sizes. Join us as we recount the harrowing escape of the Amethyst and the bittersweet legacy of the Royal Navy's most famous "Cat Officer."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.