BAMSE, THE St Bernard that became a well-loved figure in Dundee and Montrose, is to be part of the Imperial War Museum’s exhibition The Animals’ War, which opens to the public on Friday.

Bamse the second world war seadog who became a symbol of freedom for Norwegians fighting against Nazism and is buried at Montrose, was awarded the PDSA Gold Medal for gallantry and devotion to duty 62 years after his death.

The bronze model of the Bamse statue that will be erected at Montrose Harbour later this year will feature in the exhibition.

Attending the private view in London this week are Montrose Bamse Project chairman Dr Andrew Orr, Montrose Heritage Trust chairman Dr Anthony Sutton, Bamse sculptor Alan Herriot and project director Henny King.

The exhibition will explore the role of animals in conflict from the first world war to the present day.

It is estimated 16 million animals served during the first world war—by 1916 alone the warring nations had raised 103 cavalry divisions with over a million horses.

Despite increasing mechanisation and advances in technology, animals have continued to play their part in the front line.

In the second world war over 200,000 carrier pigeons were used by Britain’s armed forces and secret service organisations.

Dogs have guarded military personnel and property, located injured soldiers, tracked down enemy insurgents and sniffed out explosives.

More recently rats and pigs have also been trained to clear minefields.

The Animals’ War will use photographs, film, sculptures, memorabilia and interactive features to explore the intriguing and often surprising stories of animals in war.

Bamse was mascot of the Royal Norwegian Navy minesweeper Thorodd which operated out of Dundee and Montrose.

The dog saved two members of the crew in separate incidents.

In the winter of 1941 Bamse saved Thorodd’s first mate from a knife attack on Dundee dockside. Sensing the danger, Bamse ran in and knocked the assailant into the water.

In the autumn of 1942, a sailor who fell overboard was rescued when the dog dived in to save him.