War Heroes
Posted by Anne Corke on 2006-10-31. Filed under Monthly Feature
Another November, another Remembrance Day and again we pay tribute to our veterans for the sacrifices which they made so that we may live in peace. Perhaps, on Remembrance Day, we should also remember the canine heroes who have served in our conflicts. War dogs have served in many capacities, including delivering messages across enemy lines, searching for survivors in the aftermath of air raids, detecting mines and booby traps, and defending their masters and their parties.
In England, during the second world war, Maria Dickin, founder of the PDSA (People's Dispensary for Sick Animals), introduced a special medal specifically for animals in war. The Dickin Medal is awarded to animals displaying conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty while serving or associated with any branch of the Armed Forces or Civil Defence Units. Eighteen dogs have received this medal, recognized as the animals' Victoria Cross. One of these dogs was Gander, a Newfoundland from Canada, who was given to the 1st Battalion of the Royal Rifles of Canada as a mascot. Gander and the Royal Rifles were sent to Hong Kong in 1941 to join other Commonwealth troops defending the island against the Japanese.
Gander displayed great bravery, during the battle of the Lye Mun, as he helped repel Japanese troops who landed near the Canadian section of the beach. Later, when Japanese troops approached a group of our wounded soldiers, he launched a surprise charge, causing them to alter their route thereby saving the lives of the Canadians. His last act of bravery occurred in battle, when an enemy grenade landed near a group of his comrades. Gander grabbed the grenade and ran off with it. He was killed instantly when the grenade exploded in his mouth. He had given his life to save the lives of the Canadian soldiers.
Gander and all the other courageous war dogs were, in fact, fellow soldiers, who served with valour and devotion alongside many of our veterans. Now, in their twilight years, perhaps we can repay, in some small way, our debt to these soldiers who fought for our freedom, as we visit them with our therapy dogs. And perhaps we may encounter one old warrior to whom our dog is a reminder of a special four-footed companion and comrade who braved the horrors of war alongside his master.
On Remembrance Day, and throughout the year, let us remember also our canine heroes and the sacrifices which they made for love.