Public Monuments and Sculpture Association

National Recording Project

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Detail from: Memorial to 158 Squadron by Peter W. Naylor, 2009

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Swansea Jack Memorial

Summary

Type Sculpture

Granite base with blocks to ends supporting further granite slab with inscription. Bronze relief head of Swansea Jack and medal to left of monument. 'Swansea Jack' was a retriever reputed to have saved 27 human and 2 canine lives from drowning in the 1930's. He was said to patrol the docks and beaches looking out for people in trouble. He gained numerous awards including 'a dog's V.C. for bravery'.

Inscriptions

Incised in stone on front of memorial: ERECTED TO THE MEMORY OF / SWANSEA JACK / THE BRAVE RETRIEVER WHO SAVED 27 HUMAN / AND 2 CANINE LIVES FROM DROWNING / LOVED AND MOURNED BY ALL DOG LOVERS / DIED OCTOBER 2ND 1937 AT THE AGE OF 7 YEARS / NE ER HAD MANKIND MORE FAITHFUL FRIEND THAN THOU / WHO OFT THY LIFE DIDST LEND TO SAVE SOME HUMAN / SOULD FROM DEATH / OWNER & TRAINER WM. THOMAS

Contributor details

Contributor Role
Jones, J. Cecil Sculptor

Element details

Part of work Material Dimensions
Whole work Granite 96cm high x 184cm wide

PMSA recording information

Reference Region
SWANSEA009 AH
  • Swansea Jack Memorial
General condition Good
Surface condition
  • Metallic staining
  • Biological growth
Structural condition
  • Other
Vandalism
  • None
Road Mumbles Road
Precise location On Esplanade opposite SW corner of St. Helen's cricket and rugby ground
A-Z ref None
OS ref SS639921
Date of design 1937
Year of unveiling 1937
Unveiling details 1937
Commissioned by None
Duty of care City and County of Swansea
Listing status II
At risk? No known risk

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