HEROICS OF THE DOGS OF WAR
Plan for memorial to honour the Airedales trained to play vital role helping soldiers on the bloody battlefields
SCOTLAND’S soldiers are among the best in the world and they have proved themselves time and again in some of the most dangerous conflicts.
country, Memorialsa constantto the reminderfallen dot of the the ultimate sacrifice our servicemen and women have made to keep us safe.
Now, the nation’s war dogs are set to be commemorated with a pink granite statue weighing more than 30tons.
The monument will be placed on a beach in Angus, close to where groups of Airedale terriers were trained for World War I.
Thousands of the sturdy dogs were used by the British Red Cross and Army to locate injured soldiers on the battlefields, for sentry work and for carrying messages through the trenches
They also helped deliver first aid supplies and they transported carrier pigeons on crates on their backs.
Since then, Airedales and other breeds of dog have played a vital role in conflicts including World War II and the Gulf War
The Airedale Terrier Club of Scotland are hoping to raise £50,000 for the memorial at East Haven, near Carnoustie
The group’s secretary, Wendy Turner, said: “We think it’s very fitting that a memorial to the lives of these dogs should be erected in the area where it all began. “The beautiful site in East Haven which has been identified as the spot is stunning, overlooking the sea and a tru tranquil spot.” She added: “The dogs trained on beaches in Angus and many local people joined in and would lie in the sand dunes to be located by the Airedales. “It’s wonderful when you read about them. Obviously, I am biased towards Airedales but they really are magnificent." The Airedales’ training was started by Army officer Lieutenant Colonel Edwin Richardson, who owned a farm in the area with his wife. The first four dogs were presented to Glasgow Police in 1905 and were kept at two police stations in the city – Queen’s Park and Maryhill. They were the UK’s first official police dogs. The British Red Cross asked Richardson about training Airedales to locate injured soldiers on the
battlefields and when World War I began, the British Red Cross started using the breed for that purpose and to carry medical supplies.
The Army were so impressed with the Airedales’ intelligence and tenacity that they opened a war dog school in Shoeburyness in Essex.
Richardson moved there to manage the dogs’ training.
Airedales were recruited from across the UK and some pets were donated to help the war effort.
Wendy added: “At first, Richardson specialised in collies and terriers, but then in the Airedale he found what he considered to be the ideal dog. They’re very determined and single-minded and there’s no stopping them.
“Richardson was obviously an experienced trainer they’re notoriously difficult to train. You have to start from a young age.”
Former Army officer and Airedale owner Alastair Petrie told the story of one dog called Jack whose heroism in World War I defied belief.
He rescued his battalion by summoning help when they found themselves cut off, surrounded by shell-holes and barbed wire.
Alastair said: “A piece of shrapnel smashed his jaw, but he carried on and another shell tore open his coat right down his back and he kept on going.
“Finally, his forepaw was shattered but he dragged his body for the last 3km.
“There was the glaze of death in his eyes when he reached headquarters but he’d done his work – he’d saved his battalion.”
Many dogs did not survive the war and the club believe a memorial is well-deserved.
Easthaven Community Council have offered the club a place beside the beach to site the memorial. ● For more information, visit the Airedale Terrier Club of Scotland Facebook page.