A new sculpture in Queen’s Park, Loughborough pays tribute to the remarkable wartime service of a dog named Bing. Created by local artist Duncan Thurlby and commissioned by Charnwood Borough Council, the statue was unveiled ahead of Remembrance Sunday to honour Bing’s bravery during World War II. 

 

 

 

 

Originally bred in Loughborough, Bing — an Alsatian/Collie cross — joined the army when his owners could no longer feed him due to wartime rationing.

 

He trained at the War Dog School in Hertfordshire and was later parachuted into action on D-Day with the 13th Parachute Battalion of the 6th Airborne Division.

 

In 1947 he was awarded the prestigious PDSA Dickin Medal — often called the “animals’ Victoria Cross” — for his courage and service. 

 

The sculpture’s location in Queen’s Park places it beside the iconic Loughborough Carillon Tower, ingraining Bing’s story into the town’s legacy of military commemoration. Mayor of Charnwood, Cllr David Northage, described Bing’s story as “truly remarkable” and welcomed the sculpture as a fitting tribute to the many animals whose efforts helped during the war. 

 

 

 

 

By installing this memorial, Loughborough reinforces the value of remembering “animal soldiers” and their part in wartime history — ensuring that visitors and locals alike pause to reflect on acts of courage beyond the human effort.

 

Key Takeaways:

 

Bing, a brave wartime dog, is honoured with a new sculpture in Loughborough’s Queen’s Park.

 

His service included parachuting into D-Day and earning the PDSA Dickin Medal for bravery.

 

The commemorative installation ties Bing’s legacy into Loughborough’s broader military heritage and encourages public reflection.

 

Adapted From 

 

https://www.charnwood.gov.uk/news/2025/11/06/loughborough_war_dog_celebrated_with_sculpture

Dogs are so much better than people.