The Historic Newfoundland

Gander with members of the 1st Royal Rifles in Hong Kong image courtesy - Hong Kong Veterans Commemorative Association

Gander: A Newfoundland Hero
Based on an article that appeared in Newf Tide written by Mary Jane Spackman with contributions from Sue Miller

Gander became the Newfoundland mascot of Quebec City’s Royal Rifles of Canada by chance. He began his life as a puppy named Pal with his family in Gander, Newfoundland. As he grew he spent more and more time at the airport with the soldiers who were assigned there. His family felt he was growing too big and the Royal Rifles willingly adopted him as their mascot. His official name became Regimental Mascot Sgt. Gander. Gander’s new life with the Rifles would cover many miles and ultimately end at the battle of Lye Mun on Hong Kong Island.

During his time as their mascot, Gander proved his value more than once. There are at least three documented instances of Gander protecting the troops. The first was when a wave of attackers landed on the beach and Gander rushed at them barking and charging at their legs. The second instance occurred at night. There was a group of injured Canadians laying on the road and as a group of Japanese soldiers advanced towards them, Gander flew at them, causing them to change direction.

The last heroic act by Gander would cost him his life. A grenade was thrown towards a group of soldiers commanded by Captain Gavey. The soldiers were unable to move away from the grenade due to intense shooting from the Japanese. Gander ran forward, took the grenade in his mouth and continued away from his men. Gander was killed by the subsequent explosion but the men he served were saved by their loyal Newfoundland mascot. This last act of heroism has been memorialized for eternity by awarding Gander the Dickin Medal for "acts of conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in wartime." The prestigious Dickin Medal was awarded by the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) which is an animal veterinary charity in the United Kingdom.

The inscription on Gander's Citation for Bravery reads as follows: For saving the lives of Canadian Infantrymen during the Battle of Lye Mun on Hong Kong Island in December 1941. On three documented occasions “Gander” the Newfoundland mascot of the Royal Rifles of Canada engaged the enemy as his regiment joined the Winnipeg Grenadiers, members of Battalion Headquarters “C” Force and other Commonwealth troops in their courageous defence of the Island. Twice “Gander’s” attacks halted the enemy’s advance and protected groups of wounded soldiers. In a final act of bravery the war dog was killed in action gathering a grenade. Without “Gander’s” intervention many more lives would have been lost in the assault.

Gander Receives Dickin Award

In 2000, Gander became the first animal in 59 years to be awarded the Dickin Medal, and the first canadian animal ever. Listen to the CBC radio broadcast of that day, with commentary by Jeremy Swanson from the Canadian War Museum and Fred Kelley, Gander's handler during WWII

Other Resources to learn more about Gander:

Gander- History

Royal Rifles of Canada

Mascot Dog Sacrificed Life for Human Comrades

Background on Dickin Medal and Gander Story