It is a conceit of human nature to believe that only our species is capable of selfless devotion or incredible bravery under fire. In December 1941 on an island in the Pacific, a black Newfoundland dog laid that notion to rest. Attached to “C” Force of the Canadian Royal Rifles Regiment stationed on Hong Kong Island, Gander was the mascot to a besieged army of Allies surrounded by an overwhelming Japanese force bent its destruction. Gander had come to the Canucks on a parole basis. Christened “Pal,” the strong, loyal, and calm animal had been banished from his home for accidentally scratching a child during play. The Rifles were based at Gander, so the name of the animal was a foregone conclusion. Gander became an instant hit and a morale booster for an army fearing the worst.
On the day after the Pearl Harbor attack, the seemingly invincible Imperial Japanese Army attacked Hong Kong. On December 19, the untested Rifles were thrust into the Battle of Lye Mun against a battle-hardened force of Japanese marines backed by tons of artillery that saturated The Lye Mun Passage. The overwhelming Nippon force demanded surrender on December 17, and, after a courageous refusal by the Canadians, commenced a daring nighttime water-borne assault on December 18. The Japanese came ashore along a two-mile front and were met face-to-face by the Royal Rifles and Gander. By the following day, the battle was decided, but the Canucks fought on valiantly in the lost cause.
Casualties were predictably heavy for the defenders on December 19. Several Canadians lay wounded on the beach as their comrades helplessly watched the advancing Japanese. Gander felt no such trepidation. Charging headlong into an advancing patrol snarling and snapping, Gander distracted the invaders long enough for his comrades to be saved. Incredibly, Gander would repeat the heroism twice more that day defending his military family.
Sadly on the third attempt, a Japanese soldier tossed a grenade at the faithful canine. Sensing the danger, Gander retrieved the explosive and rushed towards the Japanese lines. Gander’s final act of bravery cost his life, but saved many of his cohorts. For his efforts, Gander was awarded Britain’s highest military honor, the Victoria Cross, for “gallantry and selfless bravery under fire,” and the Dickin Medal for “displaying conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty”.
According to the Wikipedia article about Gander that was graciously provided by commentor Dominick Turley, “At the insistence of survivors of the battle, [Gander’s] name was listed with those of 1975 men and two women on the Hong Kong Veterans Memorial Wall in Ottawa ….”
–Mark Esposito, Guest Blogger
Ha! Reminds me of this tune (interesting video by Reba explaining the meaning of the song)
“That’s the night the lights went out in Georgia
That’s the night that they hung an innocent man
Don’t trust your soul to no back woods Southern lawyer
Cause the judge in the town’s got bloodstains on his hand”
Ffleo:
“… wonder what them lawyers was like in them backwoods counties.”
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They were the two guys who came up to Tom at the stop light and said he was speeding through their town. Man’s gotta eat. 🙂
Gotta luv hot baloney, eggs n’ gravey…and gotta wonder what them lawyers was like in them backwoods counties.
FFLeo:
Here’s my favorite Tom T. Hall ditty:
FFLeo:
“Ain’t but three things in this world that’s worth a solitary dime
But old dogs and children and watermelon wine
He said women think about theyselves when menfolk ain’t around
And friends are hard to find when they discover that you’re down
He said I tried it all when I was young and in my natural prime
Now it’s old dogs and children and watermelon wine
Old dogs care about you even when you make mistakes.”
Thanks, that’s a good ‘un.
Thanks, Dominic. I note the article reads, “At the insistence of survivors of the battle, his name was listed with those of 1975 men and two women on the Hong Kong Veterans Memorial Wall in Ottawa, Canada.”
Ave Atque Vale!
Here is the Wiki entry for Gander:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gander_%28dog%29
That is a very warming story….
“Ain’t but three things in this world that’s worth a solitary dime, ‘ceptin’ Old Dogs, n’ Children n’ Watermelon Wine” (paraphrased)
Funny how a story like that can make me feel so much better about everything.
I’m with Will Rogers. Dogs and cats are some of the best people I know. If there are no dogs and cats, it’s not any definition of heaven I’d be interested in.
I have heard this tale a few times, brave dog in the face of unrelenting odds, it teaches us something about ourselves and the human condition. Wonderful timely story, an inspiration to all.
Mespo
Thank you.
I have always loved that quote.
He obviously loved his dogs.
Bud:
“Anyone recall who is responsible for that quote??”
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Will Rogers
mespo727272 1, December 5, 2010 at 11:45 am
BIL:
“If there is a Heaven, this is a dog that certainly went.”
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I like to think he’s the gate keeper.
“If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.”
Anyone recall who is responsible for that quote??
Wonderful story and I took a moment of peace in remembrance of Gander.
WOW!!
He truley was “mans best friend”
BIL:
“If there is a Heaven, this is a dog that certainly went.”
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I like to think he’s the gate keeper.
That was one hell of a dog. A sad story but a great one for a Sunday morning.
Good dog.
If there is a Heaven, this is a dog that certainly went.