Montrose has gone barking mad for Bamse! The canine hero has been immortalised in a new book published by Birlinn last month. Sea Dog Bamse is the remarkable story of one of the Second World War’s most unusual animal heroes – a 14-stone St Bernard dog who became global mascot for the troops stationed in Scotland and a symbol of freedom and inspiration for Allied troops throughout Europe. Bamse followed his master at the outbreak of the war to become a registered crew member of the mine-sweeper Thorodd in the Royal Norwegian Navy. Often donning his own steel helmet as he took his place in the Thorodd’s bow gun turret, Bamse cut an impressive figure and made a huge contribution to the morale of the crew, and he gallantly saved the lives of two of them. Stationed near Montrose for much of the war, Bamse also became a local hero.



The launch of Sea Dog Bamse took place in Montrose on 26th August and was attended by over 300 people, including a number of Norwegian Bamse fans and a guest from the family who actually owed Bamse himself. The star of the show was undoubtedly the lovely Lulu, an enormous St Bernard there to represent Bamse.

Retired GP Andrew Orr became interested in Bamse’s story many years ago and eventually decided to write the book in collaboration with his good friend Angus Whitson.