Infantrymen of C Company, the Royal Rifles of Canada, and their mascot Gander the dog en route to Hong Kong. The photo was taken in Vancouver, British Columbia, circa 27 October 1941. In the Battle of Hong Kong two months later, Gander the dog was killed in action when running away with a picked up grenade thrown towards the Royal Rifles of Canada. For this act, Gander was posthumously awarded the Dickin Medal, the "animals' Victoria Cross".

A dog carried away a grenade

During the Battle of Hong Kong, a Newfoundland dog named Gander grabbed a Japanese hand grenade and ran toward the enemy.

WWII Battle of Hong Kong: Gander the Grenade Dog

Infantrymen of C Company, Royal Rifles of Canada, aboard H.M.C.S. PRINCE ROBERT en route to Hong Kong, 15 November 1941. The black dog at the center was the famous Gander. They already entered Hong Kong waters and landed the next day. Three weeks later, many died in the Battle of Hong Kong, including Gander the dog for picking up a Japanese grenade thrown toward the Canadians.

He died in the explosion

Gander was killed when the grenade exploded. But his action saved the lives of wounded Canadian soldiers.

WWII Battle of Hong Kong: Gander the Grenade Dog

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