By J.P. Bear

This Courageous Newfoundland Dog fearlessly helped defend Hong Kong and his fellow Canadian Soldiers from the invading Japanese Army during the Second World War.

Gander’s story began April 15, 1935 in Newfoundland.  In 1938 he became the Hayden family pet and best friend of their son, Jack.

Originally named “Pal” he played with the children in Gander.  He helped Jack’s father by pulling a sled carrying fuel to help refuel planes.

Due to an accident, Pal injured one of the children and was given to the Royal Rifles of Canada, stationed at Gander Airport, becoming their mascot.

The Royal Rifles renamed him “Gander” in honour of their duty station. Because of Gander’s exceptional physical attributes, he was promoted to Sergeant.

In October 1941 the Royal Rifles boarded trains in Valcartier Quebec and headed west to Vancouver.  When they arrived in Vancouver, they were joined with the Winnipeg Grenadiers and renamed “C-Force”. October 27, 1941, the unit boarded ships and headed for Hong Kong.

British Intelligence determined the Japanese numbering about 5,000 troops, but in reality, the 1,976 Canadian forces would face over 60,000.

Five hours after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the Battle of Hong Kong began. For 10 days the Japanese bombarded the Canadian defences, keeping them from getting adequate rest.  At approximately 2200 hours on December 18^th, the Japanese began their land assault.  They first attempted to land on the beaches where the Royal Rifles were set up, but due to Gander’s massive size, he repelled the invaders by jumping and biting at them, forcing the Japanese to attack at another portion of the island.

Canadian casualties mounted, some wounded had to wait for transport to the aide station. Gander stood near seven wounded soldiers lying in a ditch. The Japanese began tossing grenades toward them.  As the grenades rolled near, the soldiers would toss the grenades back.  Eventually one grenade landed out of their reach.  Gander picked up the grenade and ran it back to the Japanese…

BOOM!

In the morning, Gander was absent from roll call. The Battle of Hong Kong continued for six more days.  While being Japanese POW’s, the Canadians were often asked about the “Black Devil” who fought exceptionally at the Battle.

In 1995, Battle of Hong Kong Veterans were awarded the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal.  After the ceremony, the Canadian War Museum Director was speaking with some of the veterans, when one stated, “Yeah they should have given that damn dog a medal!”  The Director asked “What Dog?”  and one of the veterans told Gander’s story.

The Director petitioned to the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals for Gander to receive the Dickin Medal.  The Dickin Medal is awarded only to animals who perform heroic Deeds, during warfare, while attached to British Commonwealth Forces.  The Dickin Medal is considered the Animal’s Victoria Cross.

On October 27, 2000 Gander was awarded the Dickin Medal for his heroic deeds performed during the Battle of Hong Kong.  Gander was the only Canadian animal to receive the Dickin Medal for Second World War.

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Watch “A Tribute to Gander by JP Bear” here.