Upstart - DM 49

Date of Award: 11 April 1947

"While on patrol duty in Bethnal Green a flying bomb exploded within 75 yards, showering both horse and rider with broken glass and debris. Upstart was completely unperturbed and remained quietly on duty with his rider controlling traffic, ect., until the incident had been dealt with."

Upstart's Story

No stranger to the effects of enemy fire, the stable where he was originally posted was severely damaged following an attack on a nearby anti-aircraft station, Police Horse Upstart epitomised coolness under pressure.

Relocated to Bethnal Green in the East End of London after his stable had been damaged, Upstart was on patrol with his rider D.I. J. Morley when a ‘flying bomb’ exploded less than 75 yards from their position. The force of the blast showered both horse and rider with broken glass, debris and shrapnel, yet Upstart remained calm throughout the incident.

Awarded the PDSA Dickin Medal on 11 April 1947, in recognition of his work with the Metropolitan Police Force, Upstart’s citation acknowledged how he: “was completely unperturbed and remained quietly on duty with his rider controlling traffic, etc. until the incident had been dealt with.”

Upstart, along with fellow PDSA Dickin Medal recipients, Olga and Regal, is buried at the Metropolitan Police Mounted Training Establishment at Thames Ditton. Their Medals are proudly on display in the force’s Museum.