Dog handlers get their day
Rachel Riley
A RETIRED RAAF sergeant involved in vital North Queensland search missions says excitement is building among an oft- overlooked section of ex- servicemen and women.
William “Charlie” Magarry, a former RAAF police dog handler, expects a dozen or more handlers to join in Anzac Day commemorations in Townsville this year.
He was corporal- in- charge of the Police Dog section during his time at the RAAF Townsville base from October 1967 to August 1971.
During that time he led a number of searches, including the 1970 search for murdered The 79- year- old held fond memories of the region, having been posted 17 times during his RAAF career and also serving in Thailand and Malaya sisters Judith and Susan Mackay, whose bodies were found in Townsville.
He also helped search, along with his police dog Baron, for a prisoner who escaped from the Townsville Correctional Centre.
Mr Magarry led the Anzac Day march in Townsville in 1969 and this year he was preparing to travel from his Highfields home near Toowoomba to march in Townsville once again. But an untimely health issue struck last week which has put paid to his plans.
“It was going to be unreal after all these years,” he said.
The 79- year- old held fond memories of the region, having been posted 17 times during his RAAF career and also serving in Thailand and Malaya.
“That’s God’s country up there,” he said.
“The people up friendly, beautiful.”
Mr Magarry said there was plenty of respect flowing for him these days once people discovered what field he’d served in, and he was excited for his fellow dog handlers, many of whom would use the Townsville march as a holiday break.
The RAAF Dog Handlers Association will hold its general meeting on Anzac Day in Townsville following the march. there are