Pelorus Jack [HMS New Zealand's bulldog mascot]

item details

NamePelorus Jack [HMS New Zealand's bulldog mascot]

ProductionUnknown; circa 1913; New Zealand

Classificationphotographic postcards

Materialscardboard, printing-out paper, photographic gelatin

Materials Summaryphotographic postcard

Techniquesblack-and-white photography

DimensionsOverall: 136mm (height), 85mm (length)

Registration NumberPS.000507

Overview

This postcard shows a bulldog called Pelorus Jack, after a famous dolphin who escorted ships through the outer Marlborough Sounds from 1888 until 1912. The bulldog was a given to the HMS New Zealand by a New Zealander living in England, and became its mascot.

Pelorus Jack the bulldog sailed on the vessel's maiden voyage in 1913. The photograph on this postcard was taken that same year, when the battlecruiser was visiting New Zealand.

Discharged dead
The bulldog met an unhappy end: he was 'Discharged Dead' from the Royal Navy on 24 April 1916 after falling down the battlecruiser's forward funnel.

Pelorus Jack the second
His replacement was also a bulldog, and was on board the ship during the Battle of Jutland, five weeks later. His experience of this naval encounter made Pelorus Jack the second terrified of loud noises, which caused him to bolt every time a gun was fired. Despite this fear, he still became 'Leading Sea Dog', before being discharged in October 1919.