27 Cadets and 18 Instructors took part in the 31^st annual Fenland Country Fair from the 29^th to 31^st August at Stow-Cum-Quy. The cadets did a fantastic job Marshalling cars and conducting litter sweeps which will count towards their cadet in the community. The cadet’s good deeds for the day included reuniting a lost black Labrador with its owner, and helping a distressed gentleman locate his car in one of the three huge car parks. There were many things to see at the show including a Falconry Display by the South East Falconry Group as well and many dog and gundog events. Vehicles, heavy horses, stalls and a funfair were also part of the attractions. Some cadets had their photo taken with Balou the Newfoundland thanks to owner Carol Branson. Balou pulled a cart with a model Artillery Gun and two wreaths in memory of Newfoundland’s, Sable Chief 1917 and Sergeant Gander 1941.

Sable Chief was a Newfoundland dog that served as the mascot of the 2nd Battalion The Royal Newfoundland Regiment during World War I. He was first presented through the efforts of Sir Edgar Bowring to the Regiment's 2nd Battalion in April, 1917 by an unknown Canadian officer serving in England. Chief became well known for his immense size and dignified demeanor. He was known to march alongside the troops, keeping in step throughout, and it has been said that he would stand at attention during the playing of the Newfoundland National Anthem. He was regarded among the troops as a general morale booster, frequently visiting wounded soldiers.

Sgt. Gander became the Newfoundland mascot of Quebec City’s Royal Rifles of Canada. During his time as their mascot, Gander proved his value more than once. There are at least three documented instances of Gander protecting the troops. The last heroic act by Gander would cost him his life. At the at the battle of Lye Mun on Hong Kong Island a grenade was thrown towards a group of soldiers commanded by Captain Gavey. The soldiers were unable to move away from the grenade due to intense shooting from the Japanese. Gander ran forward, took the grenade in his mouth and continued away from his men. Gander was killed by the subsequent explosion but the men he served were saved by their loyal Newfoundland mascot. In 2000 this last act of heroism was memorialized for eternity by awarding Gander the Dickin Medal (animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross) for "acts of conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in wartime."

Photography by S/Sgt Helen Matthews
Please feel free to print them but remember they are Crown Copyright, so you must  contact us if you wish to use any in publications or for display anywhere, BEFORE they are used.

>> Gallery 09