Rushden Research Group: Paddy the War Dog 1947

Rushden Echo and Argus, 2nd May 1947, transcribed by Kay Collins

Paddy

A War Dog Comes Home

PADDY, the Rushden war dog, is home again. Memories of active service in Germany, Belgium and Holland are still with him, but like all the best war veterans, he is settling down in Civvy Street.

Paddy joined up in 1944 and after training at a war dogs' school, he was sent overseas in November, 1944, attached to the British Army on the continent. Mrs. A. Bailey, The Old Rectory Rushden, who is Paddy's owner, was kept informed of his Army progress and when Paddy was met at the railway station on his return, he soon recognised his old friends.

The collar Paddy is wearing in the picture is a war decoration as a token of recognition of valuable service rendered during the war, 1939-45. It is in red, white and blue.

Rushden Echo & Argus, 3rd April 1953, transcribed by Kay Collins

Dog helped British Army - Gallant Paddy dies at Cranford

PADDY, the local Alsatian dog, who will be remembered for his gallantry in active service during the war, died last week at Cranford.

Twelve-year-old Paddy had a record of war service in Germany, Belgium and Holland, where he was attached to the British Army. He was owned by Mrs. A. Bailey, formerly of the Old Rectory, Rushden, but when she went to Australia last year she left him with friends at Cranford.

In token of recognition of valuable aid in the war, Paddy was presented with a red, white and blue collar. When he returned to Civvy Street he was often to be seen carrying a tin in which he collected money for various charities.

Wartime Awards & Tributes Index