[ Walker / Sergeant Gander: A Canadian Hero ]
Robyn Walker is a Canadian librarian and writer. This book was first published in 2009 (Dundurn).
Here's the publisher's blurb:
Sergeant Gander is a fascinating account of the Royal Rifles of Canada's canine mascot, and his devotion to duty demonstrated during the Battle of Hong Kong in the Second World War. Armed only with his formidable size, an intimidating set of teeth, and a protective instinct, Gander rought alongside his fellow Canadian soldiers. As the Royal Rifles’ position become more precarious, the men were forced to retreat into the hills of Hong Kong, and it was here that a group of wounded Canadians, threatened by a live grenade, came to fully appreciate the loyalty of Gander.
For his service in battle, Sergeant Gander was awarded the Dickin Medal, the animal equivalent to the Victoria Cross for humans. This honour is dedicated to animals displaying gallantry and devotion to duty while under any control of the armed forces. Sergeant Gander is the nineteenth dog to receive this medal and the first Canadian canine to do so.
Click the image at right to go to Amazon's page for Sergeant Gander.
This is not the only book about "Sergeant" Gander — see also this entry here at The Cultured Newf.
Gander's story is also told, briefly, here at the Newfoundland Club of America website. And you can read this article in the British daily The Independent about Gander receiving the Dickin Award for gallantry.
Gander has also been honored with a statue; click here for a discussion of that work here at The Cultured Newf.
For another war-hero Newfoundland, this time from World War I, check out the story of Sable Chief here at The Cultured Newf.
