During War, the MPs or Military Police are crucial to maintain order and discipline, but what would you say to a four legged MP? Introducing one of the best dog stories ever told. Recipient of the “animals George Cross,” for gallantry, Bamse the global mascot for the Royal Norwegian Forces herded unruly soldiers from pubs, broke up fights aboard the minesweeper ship on which he served and participated in football matches. In times of war, Bamse is a fine example of how heroes rise from the unlikeliest of places. Some wield weapons, others command fleets, and then there are those whose greatest strength lies in their loyalty, bravery, and unwavering devotion. Bamse, a Saint Bernard with a heart as enormous as his frame, was that one such hero. He wasn’t just a ship’s mascot; he was a savior, a protector, and a friend to an entire crew fighting in the chaos of World War II.
A Hero Unlike Any Other
Not all war heroes walk on two legs. Some march into history on four paws, wagging their tails, ready to face danger head-on. One such legend was Bamse, a larger-than-life Saint Bernard who wasn’t just a pet, nor just a mascot—he was a guardian, a soldier, and a friend to all who knew him. In a world at war, where uncertainty loomed over every horizon, Bamse stood steadfast, proving that courage comes in all forms.
His story isn’t just about a dog who happened to be in the right place at the right time. It’s about loyalty, bravery, and the profound bond between man and dog that transcends even the battlefield.
From Norway to the Warfront: The Beginnings of a Legend
Bamse—meaning “teddy bear” in Norwegian—was born in Norway in 1937. He was adopted by Captain Erling Hafto, the master of the Norwegian whaling ship, Thorodd, a vessel that would soon become part of the Norwegian Navy during World War II. When the Germans invaded Norway in 1940, Thorodd and its crew escaped to the United Kingdom, where they continued their fight against the Axis powers.
But Thorodd wasn’t just a warship—it was Bamse’s home. And as the ship transformed into a coastal patrol and minesweeper vessel, Bamse transformed as well. He wasn’t just a dog; he was a soldier with a duty.
A Guardian at Sea: Bamse’s Bravery in Battle
When battle erupted, Bamse didn’t cower below deck. He took his place, standing firm at the forward gun turret, watching over his crew like a silent sentinel. Even the deafening roar of gunfire couldn’t shake his resolve. To protect him, the crew fashioned a makeshift helmet, as if recognizing that their steadfast guardian deserved the same protection they did.
But Bamse’s heroism wasn’t limited to the battlefield. He took his job of looking after the crew seriously. When a sailor went missing at roll call, Bamse seemed to know. He’d venture into town, weaving through the streets of Dundee and Montrose, often boarding public buses on his own, sitting among the passengers as if it were the most natural thing in the world. His mission? To find his missing shipmates and ensure they returned safely. And somehow, he always did.
Breaking Up Fights and Saving Lives
Bamse was more than a soldier—he was a peacemaker. Sailors, young and brimming with wartime tensions, often found themselves caught in heated arguments. But just as fists were about to fly, Bamse would intervene, rising on his hind legs, placing his massive paws on their shoulders, and staring them down with his deep, knowing eyes. How could anyone fight under such a gentle yet firm command? Bamse settled disputes not with growls, but with sheer presence.
And then there were the moments of true heroism—the ones that would forever cement Bamse as more than just a ship’s mascot. When a knife-wielding attacker threatened a young lieutenant commander, Bamse charged forward, knocking the assailant into the sea. On another occasion, he dove into the water to rescue a sailor who had fallen overboard, pulling him to safety.
These weren’t the actions of a mere dog. They were the acts of a protector, a friend, and above all, a true hero.
A Heartfelt Goodbye: Bamse’s Passing and Military Honors
Every great hero’s story comes to an end, and for Bamse, it was on July 22, 1944. While docked in Montrose, his massive heart, which had given so much love and loyalty, finally gave out. The loss was immeasurable. The crew, hardened by war, wept for their steadfast companion. He had been their friend, their rescuer, their constant source of comfort in a world unraveling at the seams.
Bamse was laid to rest with full military honors, an honor rarely bestowed upon an animal. Hundreds of sailors, townspeople, and children gathered to say their goodbyes. His grave in Montrose remains a site of remembrance, a place where stories of his bravery and loyalty are passed down through generations.
A Legacy That Lives On
Heroes are never forgotten, and Bamse’s memory lives on. In 1984, he was posthumously awarded the PDSA Gold Medal, the highest honor for animal bravery, making him the only dog in history to receive such recognition. And in 2006, a life-sized bronze statue of Bamse was unveiled in Montrose, capturing his spirit in eternal vigil. Even today, every ten years, the Norwegian Navy sends a vessel to Montrose to pay tribute to their beloved war dog.
Bamse wasn’t just a Saint Bernard. He was a symbol of unwavering loyalty, courage, and the unbreakable bond between soldiers and their most unexpected allies. His story isn’t just about war—it’s about the power of kindness and the simple yet profound way one dog changed the lives of so many. While the legend of Bamse endures, there have been several more animal heroes like Cher Ami the pigeon who carried countless of messages in WWI, Sergeant Reckless was a Jeju breed mare, a Jeju Breed Mare who distinguished herself carrying ammo during the Korean war and Stubby whose stories we shall bring you shortly.
Gargi from India has a Masters in History, and a Bachelor of Education. An animal lover, she is keen on crafting stories and creating content while pursuing a career in education.
