By Liz Fowler

AS REMEMBRANCE Day approaches, it has been announced that the story of Bamse, the legendary Norwegian sea dog stationed in Tayside during the second world war, is to be immortalised in print.

Edinburgh publishers Birlinn Ltd have awarded a contract for a book to be released next year.

The co-authors are Montrose-born Angus Whitson, newspaper columnist and author of the book Man with Two Dogs, and retired Montrose GP Andrew Orr, who, as chairman of the Bamse project, has collected and collated a mass of tales old and new about the life of the extraordinary dog.

The two authors joined Brit, a modern representative of Bamse’s St Bernard breed belonging to local owners Murray and Pam Coutts, in laying a poppy wreath in remembrance at Bamse’s statue at Wharf Street in Montrose.

The remarkable Bamse had already established a reputation for courage in action during the short Norwegian campaign before he arrived in Scotland in June 1940.

As a full member of the crew of the minesweeper Thorodd deployed at Dundee and Montrose, he continued to serve until his death at Montrose in July 1944.

He guarded his ship and looked after his ship mates, saving the lives of two of them, much later being awarded the PDSA Gold Medal for these heroic deeds.

When he died the response was extraordinary, as this was war time. A large funeral procession and burial was attended by servicemen and civilians from Montrose and Dundee.

Bamse’s grave site and his memory have been maintained ever since by the people of Montrose. The Norwegian navy and people have not forgotten, either, with many visits of remembrance.

On the 60th anniversary of his death the idea of a permanent memorial arose, and a short and successful fund-raising campaign resulted a year ago in the unveiling of the magnificent statue in Montrose by the Duke of York.

“As the campaign for the statue developed, the huge interest from around the world brought with it much new and fascinating information about this wonderful dog,” said Mr Orr.

“As I wrote it down it became obvious that there was a story shouting to be told. There’s a last chance here that someone in Dundee or Montrose with memories of Bamse might contact me to have them included in the book.”

Angus Whitson added, “Dog stories are always likely to get a good reception from me. When the story is based in Montrose, where I grew up, and concerns a world war two dog hero, I was hooked instantly.

“Knowing the places and the people makes this a very personal story to tell.”

Anyone with a Bamse tale can contact Mr Orr on 01674 850480 or Email orrkirkside@btinternet.com.