Able Seaman (RN) Just Nuisance Statue : Jubilee Square, Simon's Town
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| Able Seaman Just Nuisance : Only Dog Officially Enlisted in the Royal Navy |
"He was a very remarkable dog, his tactics in any pub were those of a born scrounger, he would lie peacefully on his side under a table until customers arrived. I saw him on several occasions when some matelots walked in. He would casually role onto his front, nonchalantly wriggle from under the table, straighten his front legs, then his hind ones, stretch all of them before padding slowly up to the bar. There he would insinuate himself between the two lads and look expectantly at first one and then the other, finally concentrating on whichever one put his hand in his pocket! If the men were regulars an extra pint would be forthcoming and placed on the edge of the bar, Nuisance would put his forepaws on the bar counter and, usually down the pint without stopping for breath. After a polite thank you lick at the hand of the donor, he would either resume his recumbent position and wait for another likely opportunity or go to the door, open it, and make his way to the railway station." - Ted Coleman
The story of Just Nuisance is a heartwarming and unique tale from World War II. Just Nuisance was a Great Dane who became the only dog officially enlisted in the Royal Navy. Here's how it happened:
Early LifeJust Nuisance was born on April 1, 1937, in Rondebosch, a suburb of Cape Town, South Africa. His owner, Benjamin Chaney, moved to Simon's Town where the British Royal Navy had a naval base. Nuisance soon became a regular visitor at the naval base, mingling with sailors and following them around. He quickly became a favorite among the servicemen.
Mischief and TroubleAs a large Great Dane, Nuisance caused some trouble, especially when he would lie down in inconvenient places, like on the gangways of ships, blocking passage. But sailors loved him because he would also hop on the trains to travel with them between Simon's Town and Cape Town, often without a ticket.
Official EnlistmentHis habit of riding trains without a ticket created problems for the sailors, who were reprimanded for having him as an unauthorized passenger. The railway authorities were threatening to have him put down, so the Navy took an extraordinary step — they enlisted him as an official member of the Royal Navy on August 25, 1939.
As an enlisted "Able Seaman," Just Nuisance was entitled to free travel on trains and received rations just like the other sailors. His rank gave him special privileges, and he even had a service record, which included offenses like "absent without leave" and "sleeping on a bed that was not his own."
Service and LegacyDuring his time in the Navy, Just Nuisance became a mascot and morale booster for the sailors. Though he never went to sea on a ship, he attended parades and recruitment drives. He became such a popular figure that he was even married to a Great Dane, producing a litter of puppies.
In 1944, Just Nuisance was retired due to health issues, and sadly, he had to be euthanized later that year after an injury.
MemorialAfter his death, Just Nuisance was buried with full naval honors on top of Klawer Mountain at Simon's Town. His story lives on, and there is a statue of him in Simon's Town, serving as a reminder of the extraordinary canine who became a sailor.
Just Nuisance remains a beloved figure, symbolizing loyalty, camaraderie, and a bit of good-natured mischief during difficult times.
Source: ChatGPT 2024
Image Copyright: Vernon Chalmers (Jubilee Square, Simon's Town)