People who originate from the city of Swansea, are known as “Swansea Jacks” and there are two possible origins for this widely used nickname.
The first is a reference to the high reputation of local seamen (“Jack Tars”) in the early nineteenth century.
The second is from a famous black retriever called Swansea Jack who rescued no fewer than 27 people from drowning in the River Tawe and Swansea Docks during the 1930s.
Swansea Sailors
During the early 19th century, sailors from Swansea were extremely well respected and renowned for their hard work and mariner skills.
It was for these reasons that they were seemingly allowed to join any crew based simply on the town’s reputation for great seamen.
Their nickname “Swansea Jacks” was born from their apparel which was jack tarred in order to provide some protection from the harsh elements of the sea.
This is the oldest know account of the term “Swansea Jack” and therefore affords great credence as the source for the modern day reference.
Life Saving Dog
Swansea Jack was a black retriever born in 1930. He lived in the North Dock / River Tawe area of Swansea with his master, William Thomas.
Jack would always respond to cries for help from the water, diving into the water and pulling whoever was in difficulty to safety at the dockside.
His first rescue, in June 1931, when he saved a 12 year old boy, went unreported. But a few weeks later, this time in front of a crowd, Jack rescued a swimmer from the docks. His photograph appeared in the local paper and the local council awarded him a silver collar.
In 1936, he had the prestigious ‘Bravest Dog of the Year’ award bestowed upon him by the ‘Star’ newspaper. He received a silver cup from the Lord Mayor of London and he is still the only dog to have been awarded TWO bronze medals (‘the canine V.C.’) by the National Canine Defence League.
Legend has it that in his lifetime he saved 27 people from the Docks / River Tawe. Sadly, in October 1937, Swansea Jack died after eating rat poison.
His burial monument, paid for by public subscription, is located on the Promenade in Swansea near the St. Helen’s rugby and cricket ground (SA2 0AR).
In 2000, Swansea Jack was named ‘Dog of the Century’ by NewFound Friends of Bristol who train domestic dogs in aquatic rescue techniques.