Redditor Shares "Today I Learned" Story Of A Dog Who Rescued His Handler From Drowning During The War
Back in 1942, the government issued a call for dogs to help out in the war. In response, the Railton family from Tolworth, Surrey, volunteered their pet German Shepherd for the war service.
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When War Dog 147, as he came to be known, was admitted into the War Dog's training program, he displayed astounding intelligence and talent. After training, Khan joined the 6th Battalion Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) after training, when he was assigned to handler Lance Corporal James (Jimmy) Muldoon.
He adopted the name "Khan" in honor of the Indian warriors who joined the British army and soon saw action throughout Europe. Jimmy and Khan grew inseparable, and the intensity of their relationship was evident during a nighttime landing craft attack on Belgium's Walcheren Island.
The landing craft was under heavy artillery bombardment as the landing craft got closer to the shore. Khan and the unit were both thrown into the water by a direct hit.
Khan arrived at the coast with ease, but his handler was less fortunate. Jimmy Muldoon was sinking because of his inability to swim and the weight of his gear, making him an easy target for the enemy.
This was a true-life event that a Redditor named HoneyGlazedBadger found out about and decided to share an interesting story with the r/todayilearned subreddit group. The story doesn’t end here though, as there’s still more below.
More Info: Reddit
This Redditor learned about an interesting event and chose to share it with the Reddit community
Here is Rifleman Khan, the German dog
So, as Jimmy was in a vulnerable situation in the waters, he cried out for help. Khan returned to the water after hearing Jimmy's cries.
He was discovered instantly and was hauled back to the shore by the collar of his uniform. Other unit members who saw the incident demanded that Khan's bravery be properly recognized.
On March 27, 1945, the Battalion Commander presented the PDSA Dickin Medal to the newly promoted "Rifleman" Khan before an honors parade. Redditors were so intrigued by the story, and here are some of their comments below.
Highly decorated with multiple dickins
Did the article make you tear up too?
Not one bit...
According to the citation, the medal which Khan received was "For rescuing L/Cpl. Muldoon from drowning under heavy shell fire at the assault of Walcheren, November 1944, while serving with the 6th Cameronians (SR)." Rifleman Khan returned to the Railton family house once the battle was over.
The comments aren’t over yet, so go ahead and scroll through the replies below.
I love it too
There is just jokes...
This Redditor believes the dog would have preferred a treat
Khan was one of 15 dog recipients of the PDSA Dickin Medal who were selected to march in the National Dog Tournament in July of 1947. In a letter to Jimmy Muldoon, Barry Railton invited him to the gathering.
When they were reunited for the first time in two years, it was clear to everyone how close they were, and the Railton family decided that Khan should move in with Jimmy in Scotland.