The Most Decorated Dog In History (4 page)

This great American hero passed away in 1926 and the
New York Times
published an obituary that was three columns wide by half a page long. Not many human notables managed to command so many column inches, especially in death.

A nation had taken this brave little battler to their hearts and didn’t really want to let him go. Monuments and statues were erected in his honour. The famous painting of the war dog by Charles Ayer Whipple still hangs in the regimental museum in New Haven. Most poignant of all perhaps, for those who, like his devoted master, wanted him to have a continuing presence for all to share, the remains of Stubby are on display at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C. Museum. His coat is perfectly preserved.

Maybe Stubby’s story says everything about a generation of young men sent to war to face the enemy knowing that millions of their counterparts had fallen before them. He was brave as they wanted to be brave. He protected his division as many others protected their own in battle. The Hotel Majestic lifted their ban on dogs for just one day. And that day was Stubby’s. Stubby was a hero, he was an inspiration but most of all, he was a dog.

Afterword

‘Nothing great is easy.’
Captain Matthew Webb was said to utter these words in 1875 after becoming the first person to swim the English Channel. If dogs could talk I’m sure those who have accompanied Servicemen and women into war would echo his sentiments. The focus and dedication any person or animal requires to survive adversity in any quantity can sometimes defy belief. Survival is often the prize for those prepared to go beyond the call of duty.

The partnership of Czech airman Václav Robert Bozděch and Antis, the Alsatian puppy he rescued from the ruins of a French farmhouse, extended beyond the conflict of WWII. Trapped by political intrigue in post-war Czechoslovakia, Bozděch was forced to flee his homeland to safeguard his family. He could take only one thing with him – the dog he had saved and who had flown at his feet in a Wellington bomber. Antis remained his only link with his old and new life and his friend and protector until death.

A dog can be one of the most entertaining distractions from the grim reality of war. And the chances of meeting such a loving and faithful companion when surrounded by fear and devastation must carry odds of millions to one. But luck was definitely on the side of a tiny Yorkshire terrier who somehow found herself in the centre of the war in the Pacific and then, miraculously, in the hands of US soldier, Bill Wynne. Smoky’s story could have been cut brutally short. But instead, thanks to her saviour, it was one of luck, survival, protection, heroism and lifelong devotion.

Not every dog is cut out for active service and most, like Tangye, fall into it because they like being close to soldiers. From the dog’s perspective, the relationship could be based on the quality of the rations and the fuss and attention handed out. From the soldiers’ side it’s because so many cannot bear to see a helpless creature become a victim of cruel circumstances or culture. And so it was that Tangye, a native Afghan pup, was rescued by British soldiers and taken to their hearts – and then taken home to the UK. His fearlessness in battle was rewarded with freedom. In another part of Afghanistan, Arms and Explosives search dog Treo was doing his part by locating deadly IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices) and saving hundreds of military and civilian lives.

War has always been fought between nations, and dogs have always been included in the ranks. As companion or protector, Service ‘equipment’ or mascot, the dog will always give more of itself that first meets the eye. A dog will always give you more than any person could promise in courage, loyalty and love. A dog will always give greatly and go beyond the call of duty.

Bibliography

Farthing, Pen.
One Dog at a Time
, Ebury Press, 2009 Le Chêne, Evelyn.
Silent Heroes
, Souvenir Press, 1994 Richardson, Anthony.
One Man and His Dog
, Harrap, 1960

Ross, Hamish.
Freedom in the Air
, Pen and Sword, 2007 St Hill Bourne, Dorothy.
They Also Serve
, Winchester Publications, 1957

Wynne, William A.
Yorkie Doodle Dandy
– A Memoir, Wynnesome Press, 1996

About the Author

ISABEL GEORGE was born in Shropshire, where her family encouraged her early passion for animals and history. A degree in English and History opened a door to the public relations department of veterinary charity PDSA.

Isabel’s interest in animals giving loyal service to the Armed Forces began with her father sharing stories of the Royal Navy mascots he met in his twenty-five years in the Senior Service. Not all of the stories had a happy ending, but all told of the unique bond that exists between service men and women and their animal companions in times of peace and conflict.

Isabel now lives in Shropshire with her three children, two hamsters and an almost-human Jack Russell, fox terrier cross called Scrumptious.

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First published by HarperElement 2010

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A catalogue record of this book is available from the British Library

ISBN 978-0-00-737151-8

EPub Edition © 2012 ISBN: 9780007478880