Dogged determination in Afghanistan (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)
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Dogged determination in Afghanistan
10:00am Tuesday 22nd February 2011 in Ex-Service Notes By Craig Mitchell
Theo, a springer spaniel cross who holds the record for finding the most improvised explosive devices and weapons in Afghanistan, has had his tour extended due to his amazing success.
Theo is an Arms and Explosives Search (AES) dog. The 22-month-old spaniel and his handler, L/cpl Liam Tasker, are part of the Theatre Military Working Dog Support Unit (TMWDSU) based at Camp Bastion.
Theo is on his first tour of duty in Afghanistan. A tour is normally six months, with the dogs then returning to their home in England, but because of his success rate, Theo’s tour has been extended by a further month.
As an AES dog, Theo’s task is to locate weapons and IEDs. He is normally the ‘front man’ of the patrol, sniffing out any hidden devices. In Theo’s first five months of duty he notched up 14 operational finds.
The TMWDSU has over 50 dogs, many of which are spaniels. They are trained as protection or search dogs. Theo was donated by a member of the public. Other dogs have come from dogs’ homes or the RSPCA. All provide a vital service to frontline troops and have saved many lives.
DIARY DATES Today: HMS Ganges association meets at 19.30 hours at Feversham Street Sea Cadets headquarters. The Yorkshire Volunteers Association meets at 19.30 hours at the drill hall, Keighley, The central branch of the Royal British Legion meets at 13.00 hours at Unit 16, Listerhills Science Park.
Wednesday: The Russian Convoy Club meets at 11.30 hours at Eastborough Working Mens Club, Dewsbury. The D-Day and Normandy Veterans meet at 19.30 hours at Clayton Lane Club. The Low Moor and Wyke branch of the Royal British Legion meets at 20.00 hours at the Harold Club, Wyke.
Thursday: The Submariners Association meets at 20.00 hours at Tong Street Conservative Club.
Monday: The WRENS Association meets at 13.30 hours at the CVS Building, 19 Sunbridge Road. The Thornton branch of the Royal British Legion meets at 19.45 hours at Thornton Conservative Club.
