Animal heroics in horrors of Far East conflict as 80th anniversary of VJ Day is remembered worldwide

Sargeant Gander, who died in an explosion after retrieving a hand grenade and then running towards the enemy.

Victory over Japan Day (VJ Day), marks the end of World War II on August 15, 1945, when Japan surrendered to the Allied forces following the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki by the United States.

It is 80 years since the conflict in the Far East ended. The toll on human life was catastrophic. British troops fighting the Japanese were threatened by deadly and unfamiliar tropical diseases. Those captured were subjected to brutal conditions and forced labour.

Here at The War Horse Memorial, we believe that while remembering those in the forces who were killed or injured, and also acknowledging the civilian victims of those devastating bombings, we should not overlook the animals who served.

Unlike the war in Europe, it was a very different conflict in the Far East, for men and animals. The Chindits were a British special force that conducted guerrilla warfare operations in Burma (now Myanmar) during World War II.

Formed in response to the ineffective use of conventional tactics against the Japanese, they were known for their deep penetration raids behind enemy lines. The name "Chindit" is derived from a mispronunciation of the Burmese word "Chinthe," meaning lion, and their emblem featured a stylised lion. 

Judy, prisoner of war and a great comrade.

Dogs served as messengers, mascots, and companions to soldiers. They helped with reconnaissance and provided a sense of comfort and morale for troops. Judy, a Labrador cross, for example, served with a Chindit unit and helped a partially deaf soldier. She became famous during World War II for her role as a ship's dog, on the HMS Gnat and HMS Grasshopper, where her ability to hear approaching aircraft was invaluable to the crew.

After the Grasshopper was sunk, she survived with the crew and became a prisoner of war in a Japanese camp. There a leading aircraftman, Frank Williams, convinced the guards to register Judy as a prisoner of war. This gave her protection and access to rations.

Judy helped the prisoners by finding water, distracting guards and fighting off snakes and scorpions. She also provided vital emotional support to the men. After the war, Judy was reunited with Frank and eventually returned to the UK. She received the Dickin Medal for her courage and bravery and lived with Frank until her death in 1950. Judy was buried in Tanzania with her RAF jacket and medals. 

 In Canada, Gander, a Newfoundland dog, had humble beginnings as a family pet named “Pal”. He was a happy dog with a loving family but, after scratching a child’s face with his paw, his owners decided to give him to the Royal Rifles in fear he would be put down if they kept him.

The Royal Rifles of Canada, renamed him “Gander” after the airport where they were stationed in Newfoundland. He was promoted to Sergeant before the regiment, along with the Winnipeg Grenadiers, were sent out to help protect the British colony of Hong Kong from invasion by Japanese forces. Canada’s first land involvement in World War ll.

Combat in Hong Kong started on December 8th, 1941, the day after Pearl Harbour was attacked. Gander helped the Royal Rifles fight the Japanese on three occasions. In the last, a grenade was thrown at the Canadian troops position. Sergeant Gander, in an instance of extreme intelligence and loyalty, picked up the thrown grenade and ran with it toward the enemy, dying in the explosion. In doing so, Gander saved the lives of several wounded soldiers.

After the war, Sergeant Gander was commemorated with the Dickin Medal. He is also listed on the Hong Kong Veterans Memorial in Ottawa along with 1,975 men and two women. 

Pigion Q saved lives of trapped US troops

Pigeons played a vital, unsung role in delivering messages, especially when radio communication was unreliable or unavailable. Thousands of civilian-owned pigeons were given to the war effort, with nearly a quarter of a million used by various branches of the British military, the RAF, and even civil defense services.

These birds were instrumental in saving lives and relaying critical information. Our friends at Australian War Animal Memorial Organisation (AWAMO) have told us of the bravery of one, named Q.

In 1944 the blue chequer pigeon was sent to assist the American forces attempting to recapture Manus Island, north of New Guinea. A small group of soldiers were deployed to investigate reports that enemy troops were preparing for a counterattack. The soldiers waded through dense jungle with a radio and a basket of pigeons, including Q. Just outside the village they confirmed that reports were correct. Japanese soldiers were camped nearby, preparing for a major attack.

As the Americans headed back to base with their news they were spotted by the Japanese. A fight broke out and the soldiers needed help, but their radio no longer worked. One after another the pigeons were released, with SOS messages rolled up in tiny canisters on their legs Every pigeon was shot down by the Japanese. The Americans were surrounded by the enemy.

Finally, Q was sent skywards. The soldiers knew he was their last chance for rescue. As he broke through into clear sky, the sounds of gunshots rang out. Higher and higher he spiralled, and within minutes he was out of range, safely away on his mission. He flew the 48 kilometres back to base in 47 minutes. Help was sent and the patrol was saved. For his bravery, Q was also awarded the Dickin Medal.

Mules were crucial for the Chindit’s missions into the Burmese jungle. They carried weapons, ammunition and supplies. Many perished due to the harsh conditions, disease or being eaten.  Both the Japanese and Allied forces employed elephants. They were used for transporting supplies, building bridges and clearing roads, especially during the rainy season when vehicles struggled in the mud.

These stories of heroism are a valuable reminder of just what a contribution animals made in war and the debt of gratitude owed to them for saving so many human lives. Simply because of their love, loyalty and companionship during such a horrific time.