Page 462 - The History of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps 1962–2021

THE HISTORY OF THE ROYAL ARMY VETERINARY CORPS 1962 – 2021
recognition in mind. However, the pride that a handler has in their dog runs deep and for their proficiency and professionalism to be rewarded is an honour for the partnership.
The National Service Dog Bravery and Achieve- ments Awards in 2016 was a platform for 1 MWD Regt to be recognised for their support to Operations in the war in Afghanistan. The honour acknowledged the crucial role played by the Regiment and subsequent Units which included the patrolling and the protection of Camp Bastion, as well as the deployment of the search capability in areas suffering under the shadow of the IED threat.
The Citation reads:
“1st Military Working Dog Regiment, Royal Army Veterinary Corps (RAVC), is nominated for the National Service Dog Bravery Award for the unrelenting and professionalism action of its military working dogs and the many handlers throughout the British Army’s operations in Afghanistan 2003 – 2014.
The forerunner, of the Regiment, the MWD Support Units, and the DAC first deployed handlers and search dogs to Camp Souter in Kabul in 2003. Three dog teams initially provided vital protection and detection capabilities in this high threat environment to the then small numbers of British personnel operating in the capital. In early June 2006, 101 MWD Support Unit successfully deployed handlers and dogs into the hot-bed of insurgent activity – Helmand Province.
In response to the growing demand for dogs on operations and due to the deadly increase in Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in Afghanistan in 2010, 1st Military Working Dog Regiment was created, a unique Regiment, providing a vital operational role with its dogs and handlers.
The dogs, men, and woman, quickly excelled, with great determination and commitment, they established a life and limb saving capability defeating lethal IEDs placed by the Taliban each day.
From April 2010 until October 2014, 1st Military Working Dog Regiment continued these critical life and limb saving tasks, with both handlers and their faithful dogs performing unending, selfless duties.
1st Military Working Dog Regiment’s support to British Army Operations in Afghanistan saw numerous notable successes. Protection dogs patrolled Forward Operating Bases against insurgents mounting attacks from the perimeters, as well as providing security from the later deadly insider threats. Protection dogs afforded close security to foot patrols on the ground so protecting from barbaric suicide attacks. Additionally, Protection dogs thwarted insurgents in their attempts to gain
access to Camp Bastion, the main British Operating Base on more than one occasion.
Vehicle Search dogs were at all times deployed on the front gates of many locations, searching every vehicle entering to ensure their cargo contained nothing lethal. Other highly trained Search dogs worked with front-line fighting units, deploying daily on demanding patrols burdened with danger. Against all the odds, dog teams through their courageous actions located countless weapon caches, road side bombs and secondary devices, saving countless civilian lives, NATO partners, as well as the lives of fellow British Service personnel.
These tactical successes, however, sadly came at a very high price. During the war, two handlers made the ultimate sacrifice – LCpl Kenneth Rowe and LCpl Liam Tasker, and their dogs “Sasha”, and “Theo”. Three other dogs were also killed due to enemy action. Handlers from the Regiment sustained life-changing injuries due to enemy action. Additionally, the families of deployed handlers had to endure separation and anxiety over frequent deployments.
Numerous handlers and dogs deployed time after time throughout the fourteen years of conflict. Many serving handlers today deployed over four times; similarly, many of the Regiments’ dogs, in some cases, served several years in the inhospitable landscape. The drive and vigour of the ‘four-legged soldiers’, carefully looked after by the Regiments’ handlers, Veterinary Officers and Veterinary Technicians at all times ensured the highest standards of welfare and compassion. At the time of submission, three military working dog teams are still performing life and limb saving duties on a daily basis at Camp Qargha.
For this immeasurable contribution, brave and selfless actions of the dogs and handlers, who faithfully provided life and limb saving detection capabilities to thousands of British soldiers and civilians for fourteen years in Afghanistan – 1st Military Working Dog Regiment, held in high esteem unquestionably deserves fulsome recognition and is nominated for the National Service Dog Bravery Award.”
The late Sir David Amess MP presented the awards on 23 April 2016.
In December 2016, Soldier Magazine reported on two stories reflecting the appreciation of the wider Army family for the work of the dog and handler partnerships. The canine capability winning through and showing their ever willingness to integrate and support wherever needed.
In Clean Sweep, it’s clear to see that the bravery of the partnerships did not go unnoticed. And in Dog Soldiers in Action, Sennelager obviously provided the perfect location for the dogs and handlers to showcase their skills and resilience to the max.
454