Just Nuisance Memorial - Simon's Town, Cape Town
Just Nuisance Memorial - Simon's Town, Cape Town
-------------------------------- A FACINATING STORY ------------------------
Visitors to Simon's Town in the Western Cape of South Africa may be surprised to see an impressive statue of a dog near the Simon's Town Naval Base. This is the Just Nuisance Memorial, a memorial dedicated to a member of the Royal Navy - Able Seaman Just Nuisance. Just Nuisance was a Great Dane that was born in Rondebosch, Cape Town around 1 April 1937. The pup was bought by Benjamin Chaney before he moved to Simon's Town to run the USI (United Services Institute). Sailors from the Royal Navy would often visit the USI and quickly took to the dog offering him treats, taking him for walks and giving him plenty of attention. He began to follow them back to the naval base and dockyards, where he would lie on the decks of ships that were moored up in dock, normally at the top of the gangplanks. Since he was a large dog even for a Great Dane (almost 2 metres tall when standing on his hind legs) he presented a sizeable obstacle for those trying to board or disembark and he became affectionately known as Nuisance. That is how he got the name Just Nuisance.
Just Nuisance was allowed to roam freely by his owner and he began to take day trips by train as far afield as Cape Town, 35 km away. Despite the seamens attempts to hide him, the conductors would have him removed from the trains as soon as he was discovered. This did was not a problems for him, as he would wait for the next train or walk to another station where he would board the next train that came along. Travellers would occasionally offer to pay his fares, but the railway company eventually warned his owner, Chaney, that Nuisance would have to be put down unless he was kept under control to prevent him boarding the trains.
This brings about the unique solution to the problem, which saw Just Nuisance enlisted into the Royal Navy on 25 August 1939. He was registered with the Christian name of Just and his trade was Bone Crusher. As a full fledged member of the Navy Just Nuisance received the same benefits including a sailors bed and seamans hat. He was later promoted from Ordinary Seaman to Able Seaman and did much good for the morale of the Royal Navy seamen. He was also commended for stopping fights between men and assisting drunk sailors back to the base.
Unfortunately, Just Nuisance was involved in a car accident which ultimately resulted in paralysis. Due to this he was discharged from the Royal Navy on 1 January 1944 and on 1 April of that same year Just Nuisance was taken to the Simon's Town Naval Hospital and put down. Able Seaman Just Nuisance was laid to rest at Klaver Camp with the full military honors and a firing party from the Royal Marines.
It's not the story of a dog, but rather, the legend of Just Nuisance that survives to this day and will continue to touch the hearts of many for decades to come. A statue of the Able Seaman was erected at Jubilee Square in Simon's Town as a memorial to this unique member of the Royal Navy.
Accommodation Near Just Nuisance Memorial - Simon's Town, Cape Town
Mariner Guesthouse
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Simon's Town
0.7km from Just Nuisance Memorial - Simon's Town, Cape TownCustom built on the mountainside in historical Simon's Town, award-winning Mariner Guesthouse offers breathtaking sea views across False Bay. We are within walking distance of restaurants and beaches, and pride ourselves on offering style... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Bay Splendour
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Simon's Town
1.5km from Just Nuisance Memorial - Simon's Town, Cape TownBay Splendour, nestles in a quiet cul-de-sac only ten minutes walk from the old world charm of Simon's Town, South Africa's premier naval station. A coastal gem of peace and tranquillity, Bay Splendour has a spacious open-plan lounge and kitchen... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Boulders Beach Hotel, Cafe and Curios
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Boulders
2.1km from Just Nuisance Memorial - Simon's Town, Cape TownBoulders Beach Hotel is Boulders, Simon's Town is situated just 70 meters from the World Heritage Site of Boulders Beach renowned for it's breeding African Penguin Colony. This is one of the 'must see' recommendations for tourists visiting Cape Town. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Moonglow Guest House
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Simon's Town
2.9km from Just Nuisance Memorial - Simon's Town, Cape TownMoonglow Guest House offers bed and breakfast accommodation in Glencairn, on the slopes of the Simon's Town Mountains overlooking False Bay.There are 6 well appointed ensuite bedrooms all with seaviews. 4 rooms have queen beds and all rooms have... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Aqua Terra Boutique Guesthouse
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Simon's Town
3.6km from Just Nuisance Memorial - Simon's Town, Cape TownAqua Terra Boutique Guesthouse is situated in the quiet suburb of Murdock Valley in Simon's Town and offers accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis.Situated in a prime position 5 minutes from the beach, this landmark house overlooks the entire False …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
The Crags
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Fish Hoek
5.1km from Just Nuisance Memorial - Simon's Town, Cape TownCome and stay in one of the original farm buildings in Fish Hoek, Cape Town within a stone's throw of the beach. This self catering apartment (sleeps 6) provides spacious, well-appointed, up-market accommodation with magnificent views across False Bay. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
A Tuscan Villa Guest House
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Fish Hoek
5.4km from Just Nuisance Memorial - Simon's Town, Cape TownBed and breakfast accommodation in Fish Hoek, Cape Town. The villa boasts 4 spacious en-suite rooms named according to the direction they face. While each room has its own special attributes all rooms have Posturepedic beds, 100% percale cotton linen... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Upstairs @ No. 42
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Fish Hoek
5.6km from Just Nuisance Memorial - Simon's Town, Cape TownUPSTAIRS @ No. 42 is a real home from home with beautiful mountain views and conveniently appointed for a relaxing break. Drive into secure parking right at the entrance. Up the stairs you will find a lounge-dining-kitchen area - fully equipped with TV & …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
A Place In Thyme
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Fish Hoek
6km from Just Nuisance Memorial - Simon's Town, Cape TownSituated on the mountainside in Fish Hoek, A Place in Thyme offers accommodation in three separate units: the cottage (sleeps 5); Small Thyme (sleeps 2) and Big Thyme (sleeps 2 adults & 2 children; or 3 adults.) …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Atlantic Dream Beachfront Villa
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Scarborough
6.1km from Just Nuisance Memorial - Simon's Town, Cape TownThis luxurious double storey beachfront villa in Scarborough (sleeps 8) offers privacy, beauty and security. If you seek a safe and peaceful beach retreat within easy reach of the Cape Town Buzz, don't miss here. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
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