after the "amethyst" finally escaped the yangtze river and returned to britain, simon was given the rank of 'able seacat' simon. he became a celebrity. however, not long after he returned to britain, he died from an infection. many people sent tributes to honor simon, and his obituary appeared in "the times" (an important newspaper in london). after simon's death, he was awarded the dickin medal. he is the only cat ever to earn this award. simon was also buried with full naval honors.