Bamse - The War Hero Trivia Quiz

Answer: Saint Bernard Dog

Bamse was a huge Saint Bernard dog weighing some 89 kilograms. As rations were low during World War II Bamse would appear at local butchers shops and usually be rewarded, possibly on the grounds of his size!

Answer: Norway

Bamse's home was Honningsvag on the island of Mageroya at the extreme north of Norway. His master was Captain Hafto, the harbour master, on a visit to Oslo, bought Bamse as a present for his four children.

Answer: His master's boat had been commandeered by the government and stationed in Scotland for much of the war.

Hitler ordered the invasion of Norway in 1940. The Norwegian Navy including Captain Hafto were ordered to save their ships and flee to Britain where they would regroup for resistance purposes. Captain Hafto was told by his wife that he had to take the dog with him as he could not expect her to look after them all on her own - there would not be enough for them all to eat.

Answer: He stood on the gun platform baring his teeth at the enemy

Bamse was not afraid of the sound of gunfire. He gave encouragement to the young sailors manning the gun by standing firm during gun battles, baring his teeth at the enemy.

Answer: Steel helmet

The crew altered a standard issue steel helmet with a chin strap that Bamse wore during gun battles. Photographs remain showing the dog with his helmet on posing with the crew of the boat.

Answer: All of these

Bamse rescued a sailor who had fallen in the water by diving in after him and holding him above the surface until help arrived. Bamse also came to the rescue of a crew member who was being attacked by someone with a knife. The dog rose up on his hind legs putting his paws on the attackers shoulders and pushed him into the water. Bamse was well known for dragging his crewmates out of the pub when it was time to get on board ship and shepherding them back to the boat.

Answer: A bus pass

Bamse would wait at a bus stop and hop on the first bus that arrived. The bus company eventually complained to the Norwegian Navy that the dog was travelling for free. The crew had a collection and bought Bamse his own bus pass. They hung the bus pass around his neck when he left the boat and this solved the problem to the satisfaction of everyone. Bamse's destination was usually the pub!

Answer: Bamse would visit butchers and bakers shops and get rewarded with scraps at each shop

Bamse would visit food shops in turn and sit waiting patiently and quietly until someone gave him a scrap to eat. He would do likewise outside fish and chip shops until someone gave him some chips or a piece of pie after which he would simply turn away and go elsewhere.
(some fish and chip shops also sold pies)

Answer: PDSA Gold Medal For Gallantry

The award of the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) Gold Medal For Gallantry posthumously to Bamse in 2006 was the first time that the PDSA had awarded its gold medal retrospectively, such is the esteem in which the dog is still held. The Norwegian Navy sent two submarines in 1984 to Scotland for the 40th anniversary of his death.

Answer: Montrose

Prince Andrew unveiled a bronze sculture of Bamse in Montrose on the east coast of Scotland in 2006. Bamse's grave is close to the statue and is constantly tended by the Montrose community. The Norwegian Navy regularly visits Montrose to pay their very special respects to this amazing animal.