Theo (dog)
Camp Bastion, Afghanistan | |
---|---|
Nation from | British |
Employer | British Army |
Notable role | Bomb detection dog |
Years active | 2010–2011 |
Appearance | White with brown markings |
Awards | Dickin Medal |
Theo
Service in Afghanistan
Liam Tasker had transferred to the Royal Army Veterinary Corps in 2007, having originally enlisted in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers in 2001, and was assigned to the 1st Military Working Dog Regiment.[1][2] Theo was assigned to Tasker some two weeks prior to deployment, after the first two dogs assigned to him didn't work out.[3]
In September 2010,
At the time of their deaths, the pair were the most successful individual working dog team in Afghanistan, having made more bomb finds than any other during the course of the five months they were stationed there for a total of fourteen finds. They had proved so successful that Theo's stay in the country had been extended by a month. Major Alexander Turner, Officer Commanding No 2 Company, 1st Battalion Irish Guards, said of the pair, "He used to joke that Theo was impossible to restrain but I would say the same about Lance Corporal Tasker."[4] Both Tasker and Theo were repatriated to the UK after their deaths,[4] arriving first in RAF Lyneham, Wiltshire. Tasker's mother confirmed that the family requested that Theo"s ashes be repatriated and the pair were buried together.Liams's mother said "Theo's actually at his feet with him" "Liam and Theo are where they should be."[3]
Dickin Medal
On 25 October 2012, Theo was posthumously awarded the
The Dickin Medal is often referred to as the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross.[11]
Cultural references
See also
Notes
- ^ "Lance Corporal Liam Richard Tasker killed in Afghanistan". Ministry of Defence. 2 March 2011. Retrieved 18 September 2019.
- ^ a b c "Tributes To Brit Soldier Shot In Afghanistan". Sky News. 2 March 2011. Retrieved 25 October 2012.
- ^ a b c d e f Ross, Peter (21 October 2012). "Afghanistan: A mother's story". The Scotsman. Retrieved 25 October 2012.
- ^ a b c d e Stallard, Katie (10 March 2012). "Army Dog Handler And Spaniel Repatriated". Sky News. Retrieved 25 October 2012.
- ^ Fox, Emily (25 October 2012). "Army Dog Theo Awarded The Dickin Medal". Daily Express. Retrieved 25 October 2012.
- ^ a b Tumposky, Ellen (10 March 2011). "Corporal Tasker Killed By Sniper and His Bomb Sniffing Dog Collapsed and Died". ABC News. Retrieved 25 October 2012.
- ^ "Bravery medal for sniffer dog Theo". Evening Standard. 25 October 2012. Retrieved 25 October 2012.
- ^ "Dickin Medal dogs". People's Dispensary for Sick Animals. Archived from the original on 12 February 2010. Retrieved 14 September 2014.
- ^ "Bomb Hero Dog Theo Given Posthumous Award". Sky News. 25 October 2012. Retrieved 25 October 2012.
- ^ Butterly, Amelia (25 October 2012). "Army dog given posthumous medal for Afghanistan work". BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat. Retrieved 25 October 2012.
- ISBN 9781848093768.
- ^ "Tasker and Theo". Diablo. Blizzard Entertainment. Retrieved 18 September 2019.