Sea Dog Bamse: World War II Canine Hero

Like one of your other reviewers, I bought the book mainly because i love Dogs. I have never owned a Sint Bernard, and, after reading this book, I think it is my loss never to have owned oneBAMSE began life in Norway just as Germany was Occupying Norway, and Bamse's owner, a Trawler owner, set off to Scotland with Bamse, to do his bit for his Country.As much as the Sailor did for Britain, Bamse did more for the Community's Morale. He saved two people from death, he became everyone's dog. He even had his own Bus Pass, so he could travel when he wanted.BAMSE died of old age, and his Funeral was attended by hundreds. Just a few years ago, Britain's Prince Andrew unveiled a Life size Statue, to commemorate his Bravery. His grave is maintained by local people, it can be visited, and if anyone wants to leave a Seashell on his Grave they are welcome to do so. If you like dogs, this book is a must for you. Buy it, you will never regret it. Jon Muir--Australia

A really good account of the people of the Norwegian navy in the 1930's and through WWII and their time at sea and in bases in Scotland, with the very large and very lovable Bamse woven through the book as the central character displaying a thread of canine values complementing human values.A very good read.

Recently went to Honnisvag, Norway and saw the statue of the Bamse and was curious as to his story. Charming book. Learned a lot about Norway during WWII. I recommend it.

Loved this book! My father was in the Norwegian Navy during WWII and knew Bamse. He used to tell me about Bamse when I was a child. He even nicknamed me “Bamse”. I thoroughly enjoyed this book!

I am a dog lover and, in view of a cruise to Norway on board the Coastal Express, I started some research on the internet. This is how I discovered the extraordinary story of Bamse. I then bought the book. It is the most touching story that I have read in years. The courage, loyalty and intelligence of Bamse are outstanding. There is a statue of Bamse in Honningsvag and I hope to see it while cruising to Nordkapp to pay tribute to this beautiful dog in all senses of the word..

Not knowing what to expect, but being a dog lover, I ordered this book. It is a great story about a puppy that went off to war with his master. They served in the Norwegian Navy during World War II while their country, Norway, was occupied by the Germans. Nice photos help bring the dog to life. The detailed story of the crew,the ship, and the men who loved their big mascot is an enjoyable read.

I bought this book because I have had Saint Bernards in my home for most of the 40 years I have been married. They are extraordinary dogs and Bamse proves that they always have been special. There is a lot of World War II technical descriptions in this book, but they don't interfere with the actual story of Bamse and his legacy. I really enjoyed reading this book and would reccomend it to anyone who wants to know about the qualities a Saint Bernard can introduce to their acquaintances and friends.

If you like books about war dogs this is one not to miss. Quite a tale of one great dog with a definite personality.

This is the charming, heart-warming story of a family pet who became a ship's mascot, a war hero and a national symbol of the Free Norwegian Forces in WWII. The statue of Bamse shown below is a replica of the one erected many years earlier at Montrose in Scotland, where the ship Bamse was on, and which had been converted from a fishing vessel to a minesweeper, was based, and where Bamse died. His legendary life is told in fascinating detail in this book.This book is available in both print and ebook format, and I heartily recommend it.

I notice that this charming book has only one 'negative' review and my comments are based on this entry which, unfairly, doubts Bamse's heroism and makes a rather ill-considered remark about him being a greedy scrounger. However, in my opinion, thought has to be given of those war-time years. Life was harsh and difficult for the residents of Montrose and Dundee and, no doubt, extremely harrowing for those Norweigan sailors so far from home. The morale boosting companionship of Bamse during those times would have been enough but the book brings to life his fortitude under wartime conditions, his loyalty and his constancy with whoever he came into contact with. So who cares that a desperately hungry 6 foot canine trawled the streets for scraps of food? Dogs will do anything for the odd extra morsel in present times let alone in a war ravaged rationed country. I found the book well researched, historically enlightening, anecdotally resplendent and extremely poignant.

Got this for my dad who'd been talking about Bamse. He loved the book and read it cover to cover in record time.It explores the extraordinary relationship that developed between a dog and a Norwegian stationed in Scotland during the 2nd world war. It chronicles their adventures from Bamse shepherding them home from the pub to actually saving lives. A truly heart warming and poignant read.

This is a very inspirational story and because I have friends in Norway and know a bit of their struggles during the war it was a fuller insight into that time. Also it shows the loyalty and wonderful bond between between humans and dogs. He was obviously a wonderful dog who was loved by all and in return gave back love and devotion.

I already knew the story in general terms cause my dad was a submariner and used to delight myself and my sisters with tales about Bamse when we were kids. It was some time after my dad passed away that I read the story and to my astonishment found a couple of references to my mum and dad in the story! I've handed the book on now to my children so they can hopefully retell the stories and keep this local war story alive.