Bally Shannon

An Irish Wolfhound Goes to War

Dogs have played their part in the history and folklore of Ireland and Bally Shannon, an Irish Wolfhound from Dublin, goes down in history as one of the most courageous and loyal.

He, with his master, was a soldier in the trenches of France during World War 1.

What Did He Do?

His main role, along with other dogs, was as helper and runner for the Red Cross, carrying medical dressings across battlefields and pulling wounded soldiers out of danger. It is reported that he saved ten wounded men by dragging them out of ‘no man’s land’. 

What Happened?

In 1917, a shell injured both him and his master.

Despite his injuries Bally Shannon stayed by his master’s side in hospital 24/7 until they were put aboard a hospital ship bound for home. En route, the ship was torpedoed and sunk by a German submarine. 

Only 3 men survived including Bally’s master… and Bally himself of course. The men stayed alive by floating on a piece of the ship’s wreckage, but poor Bally Shannon was too big and too heavy to be allowed onto such a precarious raft. He hung in there anyway staying near to his master, resting his great head on the raft when he became too tired. Then, he would float off and continue paddling in the dark and cold waters.The party was rescued when daylight came but for Bally’s master it was too late. Bally Shannon wasn’t in great shape either, but he slowly recovered.

A happy ending

One of the other survivors, an Irish American called Maloney was so taken with the dog’s courage and loyalty that he adopted him and took him back to America.

This amazing dog was cared for in Central Park where he helped guard sheep. He also found love with an Airedale called Lady Dale.

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