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In the year 2000 Gander was awarded the Dickin Medal. This medal was created by the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals, a UK veterinary charity, to honor military animals that have shown outstanding acts of bravery. Gander's citation reads:
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. Source
Gander's name is also listed on the Canadian Veterans Hong Kong war memorial:
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Thanks for sharing the story. Happy Memorial Day.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting story.
ReplyDeleteHope you're all enjoying your Memorial Day Weekend.
Stewey
What an inspiring story. Thank you for taking the time to research it. I know this kind of post takes some time.
ReplyDeleteWhat a brave dog Gander was. I hope no more wars, no more sacrifice.
ReplyDeleteHope you have great Memorial Day xoxo
Happy memorial day xx
ReplyDeletePeeps often forget about the brave animals who were so valuable to the war effort.
ReplyDeleteGlad Gander is remembered.
XXXOOO Bella & Roxy
What a brave dog, thank you for sharing his story
ReplyDeletehugs
Mr Bailey, Hazel & Greta
Nice post for Memorial Day. Hope you had a good one. Have a terrific Tuesday.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes Molly
Touching, endearingly sweet Memorial Day post and tribute to dear Gander. I can't help but especially love that he's a Newfie, a breed that hails originally from my own country.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this special post, dear Kate.
♥ Jessica