Just Nuisance Memorial - Simon's Town, Cape Town

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Able Seaman Just Nuisance is the only dog ever to have been enlisted in the Royal Navy, serving from 1939 to his death in 1944. His statue in Simon's Town may have been vandalised (shame on whoever) but his story lives on. © cape{town}etc

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

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Sleeps 20 in 8 units

^FromR 2690

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Mariner Guesthouse

Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Simon's Town

0.7km from Just Nuisance Memorial - Simon's Town, Cape Town

Custom 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.

^FromR 2500

Per unit, per night

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Bay Splendour

Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Simon's Town

1.5km from Just Nuisance Memorial - Simon's Town, Cape Town

Bay 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.

Sleeps 20 in 8 units

^FromR 1300

Per unit, per night

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Boulders Beach Hotel, Cafe and Curios

Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Boulders

2.1km from Just Nuisance Memorial - Simon's Town, Cape Town

Boulders 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.

Sleeps 6 in 3 units

^FromR 730

Per person, per night sharing

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Moonglow Guest House

Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Simon's Town

2.9km from Just Nuisance Memorial - Simon's Town, Cape Town

Moonglow 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.

Sleeps 10 in 5 units

^FromR 5696.99

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Aqua Terra Boutique Guesthouse

Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Simon's Town

3.6km from Just Nuisance Memorial - Simon's Town, Cape Town

Aqua 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.

Sleeps 6 in 1 unit

^FromR 2700

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The Crags

Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Fish Hoek

5.1km from Just Nuisance Memorial - Simon's Town, Cape Town

Come 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.

Sleeps 8 in 4 units

^FromR 678

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A Tuscan Villa Guest House

Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Fish Hoek

5.4km from Just Nuisance Memorial - Simon's Town, Cape Town

Bed 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.

Guest Rating: 10

Sleeps 6 in 1 unit

^FromR 650

Per unit, per night

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Upstairs @ No. 42

Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Fish Hoek

5.6km from Just Nuisance Memorial - Simon's Town, Cape Town

UPSTAIRS @ 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.

Sleeps 10 in 3 units

^FromR 425

Per person, per night sharing

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A Place In Thyme

Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Fish Hoek

6km from Just Nuisance Memorial - Simon's Town, Cape Town

Situated 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.

Sleeps 8 in 1 unit

^FromR 5000

Per unit, per night

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Atlantic Dream Beachfront Villa

Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Scarborough

6.1km from Just Nuisance Memorial - Simon's Town, Cape Town

This 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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