Bamse statue travels home to Norway

18 May 09

Bamse, the noble St Bernard mascot of the Norwegian army, saved the lives of at least two sailors during WWII. A statue of this heroic sea dog was stationed in Montrose, Scotland (where his Norwegian Navy minesweeper - the Thorrod - was stationed).

A copy of the statue is now set to go home, to Norway, and will be escorted by the Norwegian Navy no less. Woof!

The Norwegians are shipping a copy of the statue, which was erected in Montrose in 2006, from Leith Docks to Honningsvag, his original home.

The Navy ship KV Leikvin berthed alongside the Royal Yacht Britannia on Saturday morning to take aboard the bronze, which weighs a quarter of a ton.

David Windmill, the honorary consul general of Norway in Edinburgh, joined representatives from the Norwegian Navy, the Royal Navy and the statue’s sculptor to watch the handover. It will serve as a memorial to Norwegian sailors in the dark days of World War II. The statue will be unveiled in Honningsvag on 19 June.

Bamse died in 1944 and is buried in Montrose with his head facing towards Norway, where he started life as a family pet.

Dr Andrew Orr, of the Montrose Heritage Trust, who co-wrote a book about Bamse, said: “It is very exciting to see this copy of our Montrose statue heading for Norway. It will reinforce the bonds between the Scots and the Norwegians, and will serve as a memorial to Norwegian sailors in the dark days of World War II.”

SuperWoof to Bamse!

Archie

PS: Don’t forget to watch the BBC’s One Show this Thursday, 21 May, to view a short film about Bamse’s life and salty sea dog adventures!