Sea Dog Bamse - World War II Canine Hero

Issued: 25 July 2008

Sea Dog Bamse: World War II Canine Hero by Angus Whitson and Andrew Orr

In Wartime people need a hero, someone who gives them hope to get through the darkest days. This brand new biography charts the life of one of World War II's most unusual heroes - Bamse (pronounced Bomp-sa), a 14-stone Norwegian-born but Scotland-based St Bernard dog who became a symbol of freedom and an inspiration for Allied troops throughout Europe.

Posthumously awarded the PDSA Gold Medal - the 'animals' George Cross - for his bravery in saving lives and devotion to duty as a registered crew member of the mine-sweeper Thorodd, Bamse became a much-loved fixture in North-East Scotland following the German occupation of Norway. When he died in 1944 he was buried in Montrose with full naval honours, hundreds attending his funeral. Bamse's memory and the strong links that he helped foster with Norway - where he is considered a national hero - and commemorated by a statue of him unveiled in Montrose by HRH Prince Andrew. Bamse's extraordinary and charming life story is told here by the people who knew and loved him and using extensive source material.

The Authors:

Angus Whitson studied law a Edinburgh University, and has worked as a solicitor, independent financial adviser and freelance copywriter. He writes the weekly column in the Dundee Courier, 'Man With two Dogs'. Andrew Orr worked in Montrose for many years. He is a founder member of the Montrose Heritage Trust and chairman of the Montrose Bamse Project. More information of the Trust and the Project can be found at www.bamsemontrose.co.uk.

Sea Dog Bamse: World War II Canine Hero by Angus Whitson and Andrew Orr
Published by Birlinn, £9.99 Hardback, ISBN 978 84158 748 6