Four Legged Crew, When was the first

[Warhawk]

Hey Dean

Slight change of pace, but recently I was trawling through hundreds(believe me when I say 100's) of A50 sheets over the last few weeks chasing down bent MkVIII's of 548/549Sqn RAF in transit to NT when a few crashed near Proserpine NQ, when I came across a statement within in a RSU circa 1942-1943 regarding the first training of Airforce Dogs.

Can I find it again ? no but I think it was Townsville, there abouts and it was a RSU. Maybe 10 or 12RSU

Just an entry, maybe a little vague, but none the less an entry stating something like this.

So , what's the gos on the history?

Signed, beloved widowed (twice) former Shepard Owner (Max & Hannah RIP)

May have one more if I can live longer then 15 years from now.

Gordy :(

[Dean]

Hi Gordy,
I have some info back home about the small airstrip at Mt Druitt where, IIRC, 11RSU was first formed. Mt Druitt was also the home of a War Dog (Training?) Unit which eventually packed up and moved north. That was during the same time period you have mention.

You'll just have to wait a few weeks more before I get home to locate it again.

Dean

[Warhawk]

Ah yes,

I was skimming through 11RSU at that as well.

Good that narrows down the search somewhat!!

I'd been in 4-12RSUs A50s , all CRDs and ARDs,..you can picture the number

Thanks Mate,..race is on!!

Best
Gordy :D

[Brendan Cowan]

Dean,

The RAAF Museum are preparing a major exhibit for early 2008 on Dogs in RAAF service.

Are you in the loop on that?

BC

[Dean]

Certainly am, Brendan. When I was at Laverton last month I spoke with the Curator of Research, Monica Walsh and put her on the right path for information.

[Warhawk]

Oui Dean,

Brendan is brilliant, see "www.britishpathe.com"

Type in RAAF

Sydney, Australia.

Title reads 'Guard Dogs for R.A.A.F.'

Various shots of RAAF (Royal Australia Air Force) guard dog (Alsatian, German Shepherd) being put through its regular test jumping obstacles and chasing would be criminals, etc. Various shots of the food being prepared for the dogs and being carefully weighed. Various shots of the dogs in their cages being fed. Various shots of the dog with it' handler patrolling the RAAF base in Regents Park.

(Comb. F.G.)

Date found in the old record - 15/08/1965.

Gordy "out" ;)