Just Nuisance: The Royal Navy Dog Who Won Thousands of Hearts

Just Nuisance: The Royal Navy Dog Who Won Thousands of Hearts

Today I want to tell you about a Great Dane called Just Nuisance. He was the only dog ever officially enlisted in the Royal Navy.

Just Nuisance was born in Cape Town, South Africa, in 1937. As a puppy, he lived in Simon's Town, a naval town that was full of sailors and ships. He was a huge Great Dane, and stood nearly two metres tall on his back legs. He had a gentle and affectionate nature, and the sailors quickly became attached to him.

He loved following the men around town and often wandered onto naval ships, lying across gangplanks and blocking people’s way. This earned him the nickname “Nuisance,” though it was meant with affection.

Nuisance developed a habit of riding trains with sailors into Cape Town, often without a ticket. Railway officials eventually threatened action, and people were worried that he might be put down. The sailors did not want to lose him so the Navy made an extraordinary decision. In 1939, he was officially enlisted in the Royal Navy as Ordinary Seaman but was later promoted to Able Seaman Just Nuisance, which gave him free rail travel.

For the next few years, he became a mascot and morale booster, he lifted spirits wherever he went.

Just Nuisance was lovable but mischievous. His service record included him travelling without his pass, going AWOL, losing his collar, refusing to leave pubs, and getting into fights with other ship mascots. He even had all his bones removed for seven days after being caught sleeping in a petty officer’s bed.

 

 But by 1944, after an injury and worsening illness, his health sadly declined. On the 1^st of April 1944, he was put to sleep. He was buried with full military honours, including a gun salute and the playing of the Last Post.

Just Nuisance is remembered with affection.

Had you heard of Just Nuisance before, and do you think animals played an underrated role in boosting morale during wartime?