Swansea Jack

"Swansea Jack" is a term often applied to the occupants of Wales' second city. Although most locals believe that their nickname is taken from an adventurous black Labrador Retriever of the same name, the term does, in fact, originate far deeper in history. Despite this, the story of "Swansea Jack" the dog is an uplifting and inspiring tale that, although unfortunately ends in sadness, deserves to be shared and celebrated.

In the early 1930's a young Jack and his owner, William Thomas, resided in the then ramshackle area of Padley Yard. Located near the docklands, it was not unusual for Jack to be found playing around the polluted waters of Swansea's declining maritime industry. Despite the safety issues of such an area, local children also gathered to play in the dock-waters and inevitably found themselves in danger of drowning.

It was amongst such circumstances that the legend of "Swansea Jack" grew. Originally timid of the water, Jack's first recounted rescue was of a 12 year old boy in June 1931. The boy had found himself in real danger and was on the point of drowning when Jack dove into the water and dragged the poor child ashore. The rescue was hardly trumpeted however, given that witnesses to the event were so few.

Only weeks later, Jack's heroism was on display again. This second rescue was witnessed by a larger audience and Jack received full acknowledgment for the act with the local press covering the rescue in detail. This rescue also merited Jack recieving his first award - a silver collar from the local county council.

Jack, now a local star, continued to watch over the waters of the docklands and Swansea Bay and quickly added to the number of his rescues. By the age of five, Jack's rescues were so numerous and well accounted that the dog's fame had already become both legendary and widespread.
Jack's fame began to attract great numbers to Swansea, aiding both the local economy and the popularity of the town as a growing tourist resort. Local councilors and well-to-do's lined up to be photographed with the "lucky icon" and appearances by "Swansea Jack" would often raise large sums of money for local charities.

Jack was a star of both the media and of people's hearts who, it seemed, could do no wrong. Twice awarded a bronze medal, the "canine V.C.", by the National Canine Defence League (the only dog to have ever been awarded two such honours), Jack also won "The Star" newspaper's "Bravest Dog of the Year" award in 1936. Other awards heaped upon the dog were also given by "The Daily Mirror" newspaper and the Lord Mayor of London. Jack and his owner also toured the country, appearing in the "Bravest Dog" sections of international shows such as Crufts and the National Dog Tournament.

However, with an estimated 27 rescues to his credit, tragedy occurred. Ingesting rat poison, Jack took ill and failed to recover. The National Canine League posted notices of a reward for information on the animal's poisoning but the source of the poison was never detected. Jack's life drew on painfully for a while, but there was no hope for a recovery for Swansea's little hero. He died on October 2, 1937, aged just seven years.

Saddened and shocked, the residents and council of Swansea raised funds to give their canine friend a public and ceremonial funeral. Created, at his own expense, by local stonemason Cecil Jones, a large gravestone was placed over the animal's grave on the promenade near Swansea Bay's popular "slip". There it can still be visited today.

As has already been noted, the term "Swansea Jack", despite popular belief and articles perpetuated by the local press and other "scholarly" sources, did not originate from the adventures of this canine hero. It in fact originated from the early 1800's when Swansea was famed as a port. Swansea's sailors had established the reputation of being fine seamen and were welcomed aboard any ship as part of the crew. Collectively, these elite seamen from Swansea became known as "Swansea Jacks" - most likely named after the jack-tarred apparel they wore against the extreme sea conditions. The later bravery of "Jack" the Labrador thus earned him the nickname of "Swansea Jack" after the town's famous naval men.