Gander

Newfoundland dogs are renowned for their friendliness, love of children and for their rescuing abilities.

Since the breed was developed in Newfoundland over a hundred years ago there have been many stories told of Newfoundland’s saving passengers from sinking ships and rescuing children in trouble while playing in their favourite swimming holes.

There is one Newfoundland that has shown bravery and loyalty beyond what is commonly credited to the breed. His name is Gander and he gave his live protecting Canadian and other Commonwealth soldiers on the beaches of Hong Kong Island during World War II. Gander and the Royal Rifles were sent to Hong Kong island in 1941, where they joined other Commonwealth troops to defend the island against attacks by the Japanese.

When the Japanese landed near the Canadian section of the beach, Gander greeted the enemy with threatening barks and attempts at biting their legs. On another occasion as Japanese troops were nearing a group of wounded Canadian soldiers, Gander surprised the enemy by charging them.

For some reason the Japanese were unwilling to shoot the dog – instead they changed their route and the lives of the wounded soldiers were saved.

Gander showed his greatest and last act of bravery and loyalty during another Japanese attack. During the battle, and enemy grenade landed near a group of Canadian soldiers, probably out of concern for his friends, Gander grabbed the grenade in his mouth and carried it to where it would do no harm. Unfortunately the grenade exploded in Gander’s mouth, killing him instantly. He had given his life saving the lives of the Canadian soldiers.