Bamse - the legendary Norwegian Sea-Dog

Did you know Bamse...

Was the largest dog in the Allied Forces?
Was a registered crew member of the Minesweeper 'The Thorodd'?
Was a Gunner's mate during hostilities?
Had his own bus permit?
Was known at every pub in town?
Was a curfew enforcer?
Was a football enthusiast?
Was a great friend to all children?
Saved a life of an officer?
Is a PDSA Allied Forces mascot?
Is an international symbol of freedom for Norwegian troops?
Is buried in Montrose?

Bamse (pronounced Bump-sa) was a large St. Bernard dog who lived in Honningsvag, Norway, with Captain & Mrs Erling Hafto. When Vigdis, the youngest of their four children, became seriously ill, Bamse guarded her bedside for twelve days and nights until the crisis was over. World War II broke out and Captain Hafto took Bamse with him on the minesweeper, 'The Thorodd', as a registered crew-member.

The ship was stationed in Dundee and Montrose during the war, and Bamse became a great favourite of everyone. Wearing a personalised steel helmet, Bamse stood guard in the foremost gun tower and that was his atcion station until the war was over.

The crew in Montrose and Dundee took up a collection for Bamse's bus pass, which hung around his neck in a plastic wallet. Bus drivers stopped whenever they saw him and Bamse clambered on to the top deck aware that dogs were not allowed downstairs.

Bamse knew when the crew had to be back on board ship, and made his way around the pubs of Montrose dragging his sailors back before the curfew ended. When a pub brawl involved one of his men, Bamse stood on his hind legs (all six foot of him with his 2ft wide chest), clamped his paws on the offender's shoulders, and that was the end of the fight. Read more about Bamse...

Bamse - the legendary Norwegian Sea-Dog

Did you know Bamse...

Bamse Links