Remembering Sergeant Stubby, the most decorated US military dog of the First World War

Sergeant Stubby carried out some incredible acts of bravery during the First World War and was noted for "heroism of the highest calibre", even receiving a medal for his courage.

The unusual thing about Sergeant Stubby? He was a small Boston Bull Terrier.

But that didn't stop him from becoming one of the greatest war dogs in American history.

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Stubby became a beacon of light to American troops in an otherwise bleak war.

The unassuming terrier was found in New Haven, Connecticut after he wandered into a US Army training session in 1917.

Friendly Stubby immediately befriended the soldiers, particularly Corporal Robert Conroy, who gave him his name due to his short tail.

Cpl Conroy became so attached to Stubby that he smuggled him onto the ship transporting troops to France and eventually adopted him as the mascot of the Yankee Division after he raised his paw to salute the regiment's commanding officer.

For Stubby, the adventure was only just beginning.

Having reached the frontline, Stubby faced fire for more than a month and was even provided with his own gas mask.

Despite the unfamiliar and terrifying environment, Stubby quickly proved himself to be a courageous soldier.

When the division was faced with an enemy gas attack, Stubby barked to warn the soldiers.

On sensing that his troop was under attack, he would wag his stumpy tail to warn the soldiers of enemy approach.

Perhaps most extraordinary, however, was an incident in which Stubby captured a German spy who had snuck into the camp at night, biting him on the leg.

In recognition of his outstanding bravery, Stubby was promoted to the rank of Sergeant.

In the four months that Stubby saw action, he took part in 17 battles and eventually sustained a shrapnel wound in his leg.

Even then, Stubby continued to be a vital support to troops, acting as a therapy dog for other injured soldiers.

His bravery was so extraordinary that he even met US President Woodrow Wilson – to whom he offered his paw in salute.

After he retired from service, the YMCA gave him a room and three bones a day for life.

In 2018, a century after the First World War ended, Sergeant Stubby’s story was told to a brand new generation in the animated film, 'Sgt Stubby: An Unlikely Hero'.

Stubby lived out his years happily with Corporal Conroy, whom he now outranked and died in 1926.

He is remembered as a hero of the First World War.