Just Nuisance

Benjamin Chaney moved to Simon’s Town in South Africa in 1937, to run the United Services Institute. He bought himself a Great Dane puppy to keep him company. The Institute was frequented by Royal Navy Sailors from Simon’s Town Naval Base. By the time the second World War broke out in 1939, the base was packed with sailors. The Great Dane considered all sailors with bell bottom trousers, square collars and round caps his friend. With other service men differently clad, he was indifferent.

On many occasions he would follow sailors to the dockyard and onto the many warships collected there. His favourite spot was on the top of the gangways, with people coming and going. At times sailors would find if difficult passing the huge dog. The sailor would say, “You’re a nuisance lying there, why do you want to lie down just there?” When it was said to him many times they began to call him Nuisance, and that is how he got his name!

Nuisance tavelled by train without a ticket, which was against regulations. Being a large dog Nusiance could not be hidden, and Nuisance was put off at the next station. A solution to the problem was sought and the Commander of the Base became involved. It was finally decided to enlist Nuisance in the Royal Navy! A Chief Warrant Office was enlisted as a Recruiting Officer and he began his task by asking the name of the applicant. A seaman said he was named, “Nuisance”  “Nuisance what?” asked the Chief. The seaman said, “No sir, just Nuisance!”

And so the Great Dane officially became Ordinary Seaman Just Nuisance RN. Now he was entitled to a free Rail Pass. All the complaints from the Railway authorities stopped. He was promoted to Able Seaman, which brought a few more privileges.

All things considered Just Nuisance was more than just a dog. He did much to boost the morale of all those involved in fighting the war from the South Atlantic Station and he was renowned for the love and care he showed for his many sailor mates.

Just Nuisance was eventually discharged from the Royal Navy at HMS Afrikander, where he had been stationed since 1940.

Great Danes never live to a great age and an earlier motor accident had left the big dog suffering with thrombosis, which was slowly paralysing him. On the recommendation of a veterinary surgeon, the Royal Navy had decided to put him to sleep. On the 1st August he was taken by naval lorry to Simon’s Town Naval Base where the surgeon put Just Nuisance out of his misery.

On the 2nd April his body was wrapped in a canvas bag, covered with the Royal Ensign and he was finally laid to rest with full military honours – a solemn ceremony that included a firing party of Royal Marines and a lone bugler. A simple granite gravestone marks his grave.