A DICKIN war medal won by a brave dog from an Ellesmere farm in the Second World War has fetched an incredible world-record £140,000 at auction, more than six times the previous amount.

The PDSA Dickin Medal for Gallantry, otherwise known as the 'VC for animals' and the RSPCA Red Collar for Valour awarded to War Dog Rob, for his gallantry and outstanding service during the Second World War.

The black-and-white collie-retriever undertook 20 parachute descents while serving with Infantry in North Africa and the 2nd S.A.S. Regiment in Italy was sold for a World Record Price of £140,000 at the hammer at Noonans on Wednesday, October 12.

Bought by a new collector of British gallantry awards, it had been estimated at £20,000-30,000 and the entire proceeds will be given to the Taylor McNally Foundation.

It was sold by Basil Bayne, the son of Rob’s original owner, who now lives in Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland and also included an extensive archive including his collar, a portrait painting, photographs, certificate, manuscripts, books and letters.

The previous world record for a Dickin Medal was paid in 2020, also at Noonans for the medal awarded to the pigeon, ‘Duke of Normandy’ for his gallantry during D-Day, also in the Second World War.

Basil said he was 'gobsmacked' at the sale.

He added: "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 roll that him and many other animals have played in conflict is being recognised.

"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 behaviour.

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"Rob's exploits have featured in the degree course on animal behaviour taught at Harper Adams University in Shropshire in recent years.”

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 was volunteered as a War Dog in May 1942.

Christopher Mellor-Hill, head of Client Liaison at Noonans, said: “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 world record by more than six times.

"We are so delighted for the family who are donating the proceeds for charity.''

At the time of receiving the award, his owner, Edward Bayne, told the Oban Times how caring he had been as a farm dog.

He said: "He used to help settle the chicks in their houses at night, picking them up in his mouth when they had strayed away – he had a wonderful mouth – and tucking them in under their mothers."

Basil said that he learnt to walk by holding onto Rob’s tail or clutching his coat, and if the child was crying Rob put his front paws up on the pram, soothed him and made him laugh.

He recalls: “Following his wartime exploits, Rob was returned to us and settled back into life on the farm, occasionally making public appearances to help raise funds for returning Prisoners of War and their families."

Rob died in 1952, aged 12.