Bamse

Bamse a St. Bernard puppy lived in Honningsvag, Norway with his owners Captain and Mrs Erling Hafto.

When World War II broke out and the Germans invaded Norway, Captain Hafto took over the command of the minesweeper Thorodd. He signed on Bamse (pronounced Bump-sa) as a crew member.

The Thorodd was stationed between Montrose and Dundee, in 1940. He once saved the life of Lieutenant Commander Nilson who was attacked by a knife-wielding attacker on the docks of Dundee. He was also credited for saving the lives of two sailors who had fallen into the dock.

Bamse was a PDSA Allied Forces mascot and during the darkest days of the war in 1942, his photograph showing him dressed in a naval cap with the words Royal Norske Marine was used as Christmas and Easter Card illustrations to raise morale.

He was posthumously awarded the PDSA Gold Medal for gallantry and devotion to duty, the equivalent of the George Cross, After serving in the Navy through 1944 with many exploits, the heart of the big dog failed and he died.

In October 2006 a life size bronze statue, sculptured by Alan Herriot was unveiled by HRH Prince Andrew.