Gander (dog) facts for kids
Gander was a brave Newfoundland dog who became a hero during World War II. He was given a special award called the Dickin Medal in 2000. This medal is often called the "animals' Victoria Cross" because it's the highest award for animals in war. Gander was the first animal to get this award in over 50 years!
Gander's Military Service
Gander started as a family pet named Pal. One day, he accidentally scratched a child. His owner was worried and gave the big dog to some soldiers. These soldiers were part of The Royal Rifles of Canada, a Canadian Army group stationed at Gander International Airport in Newfoundland and Labrador.
The soldiers quickly renamed him Gander and even "promoted" him to sergeant! In the fall of 1941, Gander went with his unit to Hong Kong.
The Battle of Hong Kong began on December 8, 1941. This was just one day after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Gander helped fight the Japanese soldiers three times. In his last act of bravery, Gander picked up a Japanese hand grenade that had been thrown. He ran with it towards the enemy. The grenade exploded, killing Gander. But his brave action saved the lives of several wounded Canadian soldiers nearby.
Years later, groups like the Canadian War Museum worked to get Gander recognized. On October 27, 2000, the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals gave Gander the Dickin Medal. This was the first time the medal had been given since 1949. Gander's medal honors him for saving Canadian soldiers during the Battle of Lye Mun in Hong Kong in December 1941. He stopped the enemy's advance twice and protected injured soldiers. His final act of bravery saved many lives.
Honours and Memorials
Many soldiers who survived the battle insisted that Gander be remembered. His name is now listed on the Hong Kong Veterans Memorial Wall in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. His name is alongside 1975 men and two women who served.
On July 23, 2015, statues of Gander and his handler were revealed. You can find them at the Gander Heritage Memorial Park in Gander, Newfoundland.
There's also a monument called "Forgotten Heroes" at the Cobequid Veterans Memorial Park in Bass River, Nova Scotia. This monument was started as a school project by an 11-year-old boy. It includes a statue of Gander, created by sculptor Clifton Sears. This memorial honors many heroic animals.
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