Lest we forget
ANZAC day is probably Australia’s most important national occasion. It marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the World War 1. ANZAC Day is a time when Australians reflect on the many different meanings of war. This Anzac Day, let’s also pay tribute to those dogs that provided assistance to our soliders. Dogs have served faithfully in the Australian military since World War 1 and are still involved in current conflicts such as Afghanistan. They provide help to our soldiers by acting as bomb detectors and as companions during times of war.
A special honor for Sarbi the truly remarkable Army Explosives Detection dog that went missing in action after a battle in Afghanistan. The black Labrador was with an Australian-Afghan army patrol when it was ambushed by Taliban militants. A rocket propelled grenade exploded close to Sarbi, breaking the clip that attached her lead to her handler’s body armour. Nine soldiers were wounded in the gun battle, which earned one Australian SAS trooper the country’s highest bravery award.
After more than a year in the desert, Sarbi was found safe after a US serviceman spotted her. Sarbi’s handler told of the moment he was reunited with her. ‘I nudged a tennis ball to her with my foot and she took it straight away. ‘It’s a game we used to play over and over during her training. It’s amazing, just incredible, to have her back.’
Images from Australian Defence Image Gallery
At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we will remember them.
Lest we forget.