Victoria Cross BREED?

Heroic search dog to be given 'Victoria Cross' for finding roadside bombs in Afghanistan

By Mail On Sunday Reporter

Last updated at 7:07 PM on 06th February 2010

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An Army search dog that has saved the lives of scores of British soldiers in Afghanistan is to receive the canine equivalent of the Victoria Cross.

Treo, an eight-year-old black labrador, has spent the past five years sniffing out bombs and weapons hidden by the Taliban.

Yet as a puppy he was a badly behaved rebel in danger of being put down until intensive Army training turned him into the gutsy canine described by his handler, Sergeant Dave Heyhoe, as the best military dog he has served alongside.

Best friends: Sergeant Dave Heyhoe with Treo in the Afghan desert

Now Treo is to be honoured with the Dickin Medal from the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals for his conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty.

It will be placed around his neck this month by the charity’s patron, Princess Alexandra.

Treo’s heroics include finding a ‘daisy chain’ improvised explosive device (IED) while working as a forward detection dog in Sangin, Helmand Province, in March 2008.

A daisy chain is two or more bombs wired together and concealed by the Taliban on the side of a path to maximise casualties among soldiers on patrol.

Hero: Twice the dog saved soldiers and civilians from death and injury by sniffing out explosives which had been wired together and hidden

Hard at work: Sergeant Heyhoe will accompany Treo to collect his prestigious award in London

In September 2008, Treo saved another platoon from guaranteed casualties when he again found a daisy chain.

According to the Army, his actions have also saved other soldiers and civilians from death or serious injury.

Both Prince Charles and Gordon Brown have been introduced to the labrador on his return to Britain from his many six-month tours of duty.

The Dickin medal. The award was introduced by PDSA founder Maria Dickin in 1943

Treo is attached to 104 Military Working Dog Support Unit, Royal Army Veterinary Corps.

Sgt Heyhoe, 39, who will accompany Treo to the award ceremony at the Imperial War Museum in London, described Treo as his ‘mate and best canine friend’.

PDSA director general Jan McLoughlin said last night: ‘We look forward to honouring Treo with the Dickin Medal.

'It is recognised throughout the world as the animals’ Victoria Cross. Treo is without doubt a worthy recipient.’

Treo will become the 63rd animal to receive the Dickin Medal for wartime service.

Since its introduction by the PDSA’s founder, Maria Dickin, in 1943, it has been given to 26 other dogs, 32 Second World War messenger pigeons, three horses and one cat.

In February 2007, two Dickin Medals were awarded – one posthumously to Lucky on behalf of all the anti-terrorist dogs on duty during the Malaya campaign in the Fifties; and another to Sadie, an Army explosives search dog, for bravery in Afghanistan in 2005 alongside her handler, Lance Corporal Karen Yardley.

A Defence source said last night: ‘There is no doubt that Treo has saved many, many lives through his expertise.’