Sea Dog Bamse

Meet a four-legged hero whose loyalty and bravery became legendary during World War II

The remarkable true story of a war dog who became the ship's most decorated sailor

About the Ebook

This is the remarkable story of one of the Second World War's most unusual animal heroes - a 14-stone St Bernard dog who became global mascot for the Royal Norwegian Forces and a symbol of freedom and inspiration for Allied troops throughout Europe.

From a happy and carefree puppyhood spent as a family pet in the Norwegian fishing town of Honningsvag, the gentle giant Bamse followed his master at the outbreak of the war to become a registered crew member of the mine-sweeper Thorodd.

Often donning his own steel helmet as he took his place in the Thorodd's bow gun turret, Bamse cut an impressive figure and made a huge contribution to the morale of the crew, and he gallantly saved the lives of two of them. After Norway fell to the Germans in 1940, the Thorodd operated from Dundee and Montrose, where Bamse became a well-known and much-loved figure, shepherding the Thorodd's crew-members back to the boat at pub closing time, travelling on the local buses, breaking up fights and even taking part in football matches.

Mourned both by locals and Norwegians when he died in 1944, Bamse's memory has been kept alive both in Norway, where he is still regarded as a national hero, and in Montrose, where a larger-than-life statue of him was unveiled in 2006 by HRH Prince Andrew.

Written from extensive source material and eyewitness accounts, Sea Dog Bamse is a fitting tribute to the extraordinary life of an extraordinary dog.

Why You'll Love This Ebook

• Discover the heartwarming true story of an unforgettable canine wartime companion
• Experience WWII naval history through the eyes of the most beloved crew member
• Learn how one dog's loyalty and courage inspired an entire ship's crew
• Read another celebrated title from Birlinn Ltd - Independent Scottish Publisher

'A well-researched, carefully crafted and hugely enjoyable account of one of the most remarkable animals to play a part in World War II' Aberdeen Press & Journal

'One of the most charming, enterprising, and charismatic characters in the story of World War II' Jilly Cooper

'A stirring memorial to a pet who inspired two war-torn nations' Mail on Sunday

'Prepare to read this fantastic story in one sitting. Very highly recommended' Sea Breezes

'This story should have been told ages ago — a magnificent book about one of the most unusual war heroes to come from Norway' Maritime Logg Norway

'This fascinating book tells not just the story of a remarkable dog — it also gives an insight into life during the war' Dundee Courier

About the Author

Andrew Orr worked as a GP in Montrose for many years. He is a founder member of the Montrose Heritage Trust and chairman of the Montrose Bamse Project.

Publication Details

Publisher: Birlinn Ltd

Publication Date: 01 May 2011

Print Length: 208 pages (Ebook edition)

ISBN (Ebook): 9780857900456

Format: Ebook

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I access my ebook?

Download The Grey Hill App and log in using the same email you used at checkout. Your ebook will appear instantly in your library.

Can I read it online?

Yes — you can also access your purchases via our online reader at reader.thegreyhill.com.

I can't see my ebook — what should I do?

Tap the refresh button in the app or online reader. If it still doesn't appear, ensure you're logged in with the same email used at checkout. If issues continue, contact us and we'll help right away.

Can I gift this ebook?

Yes — you can purchase a Grey Hill Gift Card here: Buy a Gift Card. The recipient can redeem it on our store, and the ebook will appear in The Grey Hill App.