Page 65 - K9News_Issue12_July2020

Show and BBC Breakfast programme combined
with a multitude of radio interviews and press
articles. Buster, the war dog was home.
His many honours included the lifetime
position of RAF Police Mascot which came
with a specially made red and black coat for
ceremonial occasions and special dispensation
from the Military Medals Office to wear his five
campaign medals in public. Honours rolled-in
to recognise the brave Air Dog, from within the
Service, including the RAF Police Tosh Thomas
Memorial Trophy and the title of Best Military
Dog Team from the Worshipful Company of
Security Professionals.
Buster was always a glittering Ambassador
for the RAF and his cool confidence in any
situation was present in battle and on the media
stage. A nomination for the Sun ‘Millies’ Most
Outstanding Airman award was a great honour
and as winners of the Crufts Friends for Life
Award 2012, Will and Buster brought the house There is a memorial to Buster at RAF
down with a standing ovation on the final night Waddington in Lincolnshire but perhaps one of
of the show at the NEC in Birmingham. Stardom the most touching tributes to Buster came from
suited Buster just as well as the military. Will when speaking about their time together in
Afghanistan: “Buster saved my life every day we
Buster passed away at Will’s home in
were together. I owe him so much.”
Lincolnshire on 16 July 2015 – Will was with
him to the end. He will be remembered by (quote from Flight Sergeant Will Barrow’s book
all his RAF Police colleagues as a loyal and Buster: the dog who saved a thousand lives)
faithful ‘Snowdrop’ who had a profound sense of
devotion and mischief in equal measure.

NatioNal Military

WorkiNg Dogs

MeMorial

nmwdm.org.uk

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K9 NEWS DIGITAL / JULY 2020