A Great Dane Received a Medal for Heroism in WWII

Picture a massive Great Dane standing vigilant in the darkness of wartime London, her ears perked at the sound of falling bombs. You've probably heard countless tales of human heroism during World War II, but Juliana's story proves that courage doesn't always walk on two legs. This remarkable dog didn't just save her family once, but twice, through acts so extraordinary that she earned the prestigious Blue Cross Medal—and that's only the beginning of her incredible tale.

Meet Juliana: The Heroic Great Dane of World War II

During World War II's darkest days, a remarkable Great Dane named Juliana emerged as an unlikely hero in the United Kingdom. Living with her owner, Mr. WT Britton, she exemplified the extraordinary role that heroic animals played during wartime.

In April 1941, she faced her first test when an incendiary device landed in her owner's home during the Blitz. Using quick thinking, she extinguished the bomb with her urine, preventing a devastating fire and earning her first Blue Cross Medal. The medals were awarded by a UK animal charity dedicated to recognizing acts of animal bravery. Animal bravery medals had been awarded since 1918 by the organization.

Three years later, Juliana's vigilance saved her owner's shoe shop when she alerted him to a fire, earning her a second medal.

Her war stories tragically ended in 1946 when she died after consuming poisoned mail, but her legacy lives on through her rediscovered medals and portrait, which sold for £1,100 in 2013.

The Extraordinary Tale of an Incendiary Device and Quick Thinking

As German bombs rained down on Britain in April 1941, Juliana faced her most challenging test when an incendiary device crashed through her home's roof. The bomb failed to detonate but sparked a dangerous fire that threatened to engulf the building.

In a remarkable display of animal bravery and quick thinking, the Great Dane used her own urine to extinguish the flames before they could spread.

You might wonder how this extraordinary act was recognized. The Blue Cross, a prestigious animal charity, awarded Juliana their coveted medal for her heroic deed.

Her quick response wasn't just lucky – it demonstrated the incredible intelligence and loyalty that animals could show during wartime. A discovered painting later emerged of the heroic Great Dane during a house clearance. In fact, this was just the beginning of Juliana's heroic journey, as she would later earn a second medal for alerting owners to a dangerous shoe shop fire.

Years later, when her story resurfaced during a house clearance, her medal and portrait sold for £1,100 at auction.

From Shop Fire to Second Medal: Another Bold Act of Bravery

Juliana's heroic legacy didn't end with the incendiary device incident.

Three years after her first act of dog heroism, she proved her worth again when a fire broke out in her owner's shoe shop in November 1944. With her keen instincts for fire safety, the Great Dane quickly alerted her family to the danger, allowing them to respond before the situation worsened.

For this second display of bravery, Juliana received another Blue Cross Medal, making her a two-time recipient of this prestigious award. While her acts were different from the foreign nationals' wartime heroics typically recognized during WWII, her courage was equally remarkable.

Tragically, her life came to an end in 1946 when she was killed by poisonous substances that were maliciously posted through her owner's letterbox.

Her remarkable story lived on long after the incidents, and in 2013, both her medal and portrait were discovered during a house clearance. These precious mementos of her courage sold at auction for £1,100, cementing her place in history as an extraordinary canine hero.

The Prestigious Blue Cross Medal and Its Significance

The prestigious Blue Cross Medal stands as one of Britain's highest honors for animal bravery. You'll find its origins dating back to World War I when the Blue Cross charity first recognized horses for their wartime service.

The medal's establishment marked a significant shift in how society viewed animals' contributions during conflicts. Like the Distinguished Service Medal, this award recognized extraordinary service in times of great responsibility.

What makes this award particularly meaningful is its rich history of acknowledging exceptional acts of courage. The organization provided unsung heroes treatment to millions of animals serving alongside military forces. Since its inception, the medal has highlighted countless stories of animal heroism, from treating over 50,000 horses in France during WWI to honoring remarkable individuals like Juliana the Great Dane.

The charity's commitment to animal welfare has remained steadfast, raising substantial funds (nearly £170,000 during WWI) and providing critical veterinary support to thousands of British Army units.

Great Danes in Wartime: A Unique Historical Perspective

While many dog breeds served admirably during World War II, Great Danes emerged as particularly remarkable contributors to both military operations and civilian defense. Their wartime contributions showcased adaptability in challenging terrains and harsh weather conditions, making them valuable assets alongside other breeds. The Quartermaster Corps oversaw their rigorous training at specialized facilities.

The dogs received comprehensive training similar to the eight-week training schools used by the German Army for their military canines.

You'll find that Great Dane roles during the war included:

• Search and rescue operations in bombed buildings, where their size and strength proved advantageous
• Sentry duty alongside infantry units, utilizing their imposing presence
• Medical assistance missions, helping locate wounded soldiers in difficult terrain

As the war progressed, Great Danes benefited from improved training methods that enhanced their effectiveness in combat situations.

Their service, like that of Chips and other heroic dogs, helped shape modern military canine programs and left an enduring legacy in military history.

Preserving Juliana's Legacy: The Discovery and Sale of Her Medals

During a routine property clearance in Bristol in 2013, remarkable pieces of wartime history emerged when workers discovered a watercolor portrait and Blue Cross Medal belonging to the heroic Great Dane, Juliana.

The medal's impact on the auction was extraordinary. While auctioneer Philip Taubenheim expected the items to fetch just £60, they sold for an astounding £1,100. Living in the U.K. during the fierce Blitz campaign, Juliana demonstrated incredible bravery in the face of German bombing. Her swift actions helped protect civilians from 2,393 incendiary devices dropped during the German air raids.

The sale highlighted the enduring importance of animal heroism during World War II, particularly Juliana's courageous acts of extinguishing an incendiary bomb in 1941 and alerting her owner to a shop fire in 1944.

You'll find that this discovery has preserved Juliana's legacy for future generations, ensuring her remarkable story continues to educate people about the crucial roles animals played during wartime.

Her tale serves as a powerful reminder of the unexpected heroes that emerged during humanity's darkest hours.