Away from political “on this day” blogs for now. Next, we have an anniversary for the death of Wales’ most famous dog (no, not Gelert): Swansea Jack, who died on 2 October 1937.
Who Was Swansea Jack?
Swansea Jack was a long-coated black retriever who lived in the North Dock/Afon Tawe area of Swansea with his master, William Thomas.
He is to this day famous in Abertawe (Swansea) for saving 27 lives from the river – with the dog jumping in to pull people to safety when he heard their cries for help.
His first rescue came in June 1931, when he saved a 12-year-old boy from the river and by 1936, he had gained enough acclaim to win the “Bravest Dog of the Year” award from The Star newspaper in London.
Sadly, Swansea Jack passed away on 2 October 1937 after consuming rat poison.
He was immortalised in the year 2000 when he was named ‘Dog of the Century’ by NewFound Friends of Bristol.
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Niklas is the founder, owner, manager, editor, writer, video creator, voice over artist, and so forth, of Welsh Histories. He is passionate about the preservation of Welsh culture; the rejuvenation of the Welsh language and the promotion of Welsh history. Niklas currently resides in Pune, Maharashtra, with his beloved wife.