Bamse (dog)

Bamse was a St. Bernard dog renowned for his service in the Royal Norwegian Navy during World War II. Serving aboard the minesweeper Thorodd, Bamse became a symbol of morale and companionship for the crew. He is credited with various acts of bravery and loyalty, including rescuing crew members who fell overboard, breaking up fights, and even pulling wounded sailors to safety.

Originating from Honningsvåg, Norway, Bamse accompanied the Thorodd when it escaped to the United Kingdom after the German invasion of Norway in 1940. Throughout the war years, he remained with the ship, becoming a familiar and beloved figure in British ports, particularly Montrose and Dundee in Scotland.

Bamse had his own specially made helmet and was known for riding on the bus unaccompanied, ensuring that sailors returned to their posts on time. He was also adept at calming down agitated crew members.

After his death in 1944, Bamse was buried with full naval honors in Montrose. A bronze statue of Bamse stands in Montrose, a testament to his service and the bond between humans and animals. He remains a popular figure in Norwegian and Scottish history and is often featured in stories about animal heroism during wartime.