'VC' for dog who broke Iraqi terrorist cell

A SIX-year-old springer spaniel named Buster was the star attraction yesterday at the Imperial War Museum in London, where he was awarded the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross.

The army dog won the award for his discovery of a cache of weapons and explosives in Safwan, southern Iraq, which broke a terrorist cell.

Posing for photographers and TV cameras outside the museum with his handler, Sergeant Danny Morgan, pictured right, Buster appeared to be confused by all the attention.

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Sgt Morgan, 38, who is based at the military dogs training school in Aldershot, Hampshire, said the buildings they searched in Safwan were thought to be the headquarters of extremists responsible for attacks on British forces.

In one house Buster very quickly gave his handler "a positive indication", and stopped and stared at a wardrobe.

The soldiers who had searched the building before had not discovered anything, but Sgt Morgan trusted his dog’s instinct.

The wardrobe was moved and a piece of tin fell from the back to reveal a concealed cavity. The haul included Russian AK47 assault rifles, a pistol, six grenades, ammunition, two kilograms of cocaine and propaganda material.

Buster was presented with the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals Dickin medal for his bravery and devotion to duty in Iraq. He received the award from Princess Alexandra, patron of the PDSA.

The award is the highest decoration for gallantry that can be bestowed on any animal member of the British and Commonwealth forces.

It has already been awarded to 32 pigeons, 23 dogs, three horses and a cat since 1943.

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