Childhood

Child’s toy lion ‘Fido’

This toy is nearly 100 years old. It is a fine example of how cuddly toys become firm favourites to the children who own them and how these strong attachments can last a lifetime.

‘Fido’ belonged to Nancy Mildon, an 8-year-old passenger on board the Cunard liner ‘RMS Alaunia’ during a wartime voyage from New York to Plymouth in July 1916. Her family was returning to England, after 6 years in Canada.

It was a frightening experience for all the passengers, not just the children. In 1916 the First World War was at its peak. They were under constant threat of attack from German U-boats and ‘Fido’ was a great comfort to her. During the voyage Nancy’s mother lent him to Ruth Merrington, a fellow child passenger, against Nancy’s wishes. Ruth was inspired to draw him and compose a poem, both of which she gave to Nancy.

Nancy’s mother bought him for her in Calgary, Alberta in around 1914 and Nancy named him ‘Fido’ believing he was a dog. He crossed the Atlantic Ocean with her 3 times – in 1916, 1921 and 1929. He meant so much to her that she kept him until she was nearly 90 years old, when she donated him to the Maritime Museum.

‘Fido’ the lion, poem and sketch are all on permanent display in Lifelines Gallery, on the 1^st floor of the Merseyside Maritime Museum.

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