 |
 Postcard of Pelorus Jack on the HMS New Zealand's maiden voyage, 1913. | |
| Other name(s) | Pelorus Jack, the mascot |
|---|---|
| Species | Dog |
| Breed | Bulldog |
| Sex | Male |
| Employer | Royal New Zealand Navy |
| Known for | War dog |
| Named after | Pelorus Jack |
Pelorus Jack was the name of the two bulldogs who were mascots of the Royal Navy ship, HMS New Zealand, from 1913 to 1919. [1] Pelorus Jack, the first bulldog died in 1916 and was replaced by Pelorus Jack the II who died in 1920. [2]
Pelorus Jack, was a puppy when he was donated to the HMS New Zealand by a New Zealander living in England, Mr J. Pomeroy. [1] He was named after Pelorus Jack, a Risso's dolphin that famously led ships through the Cook Strait from 1888 to 1912. [3]
On 5 February 1913, King George V visited and inspected the HMS New Zealand and met Pelorus Jack. [4] He sailed on the ship's maiden voyage in 1913. [1] [5] During a port visit to Johannesburg, South Africa, a ceremony was held where Pelorus Jack was presented with a studded collar. The studs spelt the word 'Onward' and was inscribed with, "Pelorus Jack, HMS New Zealand, from New Zealanders in the Transvaal, March 1913." [1] In Wellington, a local New Zealand boy scout brigade presented him with a hei-tiki which was attached to his collar. [6]
In August 1914, Pelorus Jack was onboard during the Battle of Heligoland Bight. [6] He lived onboard the HMS New Zealand from 1913 to 1916, becoming a loyal and much loved companion for the crew. [6]
Pelorus Jack died in an accident on board, falling down the ships forward funnel. [7] On 24 April 1916, he was 'discharged dead' by the Royal Navy. [7] His death was reported:
The mascot, Pelorus Jack, a bulldog puppy, came to an untimely death by falling down the funnel casing and being burnt to death. His loss is mourned by the men, who had become very attached to the dog, as he was on deck barking at the shells all through the two engagements, and he was to have been presented with a medal. It is believed that the New Zealanders in England are going to present the ship with another mascot, as a little black kitten is the only pet they have now.
- Waikato Times, Volume 84, Issue 13268, 2 September 1915, Page 5. [8]
The New Zealand History website states that it's not known how Pelorus Jack reached the top of a funnel "but his demise was probably not accidental". [9]
After his death, Pelorus Jack was replaced by another bulldog, Pelorus Jack the II. [7] It was ordered that the first Pelorus Jack would only be replaced with a bull dog of "honest parentage". It was made clear that he was not to be succeeded by a "Dachshund or other dog of Teutonic extraction". [10]
Pelorus Jack was ranked leading sea dog, serving during the Battle of Jutland, and was trained to take refuge when he heard guns firing. [11] [12] However after the battle, he grew increasingly scared of the sound of gunfire, bolting when loud noises were made. [11]
Upon the end of World War I, Captain O.E. Leggett gifted the bulldog to Andrew Entrican, Deputy Mayor of Auckland. Pelorus Jack was intended as a gift to the citizens of Auckland. [6] He was discharged from the Royal Navy and was sent to a quarantine facility. [2] Pelorus Jack died from unforeseen illness while in quarantine at Motuihe Island. His death was reported:
The mascot of the battle-cruiser New Zealand, the bulldog "Pelorus Jack," was handed over by Captain Leggett to the Deputy-Mayor as a gift to the citizens of Auckland. The "able sea dog" was immediately despatched to Motuihi Island, where it will require to remain in quarantine about six months. Since leaving Australia on board the New Zealand, Pelorus Jack has not been ashore at all. In the meantime its silver harness and its gold collar, have been taken possession of by the Superintendent of Parks, who will eventually be the custodian of the dog. -Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXIV, Issue 17681, 4 October 1919, Page 5. [13]
The two bulldogs served as pets for sailors, boosting morale and providing companionship during trying war times. [6]
Pelorus Jack was presented with two collars during his service, one is part of the collection at the Auckland War Memorial Museum in on display in the permanent exhibition, 'Scars on the heart'. [11] His other collar is part of the collection in the Torpedo Bay Navy Museum. [1]
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