|
Setting
them apart from the rest, dog handlers in the Army Dog Unit N.I. wore with
pride, a tiny enamel beret badge. The badge was in existence for
over 20 years before an official shoulder flash was introduced.
This Association is all about the memories of the dog handlers who were
searching for explosives, tracking or guarding and qualified through
training to wear the Red Paw. Always on call, they worked in some
of the most dangerous |
THE RED PAW
|
and abysmal conditions as
part of Operation Banner. The dogs were known affectionately as
"Wagtails" (arms and explosive search dogs); "Groundhogs" (tracker dogs); and "Snappers" (guard dogs). Each dog was given
an official Army registration number. To be part of this unique
Unit volunteers were drafted from some 65 different regiments - united
by a tiny enamel badge. |
|
|
. |
|
|
|
. |
|
WEDNESDAY 26th MAY 2010 -
PRESENTATION OF CHEQUE TO COMBAT STRESS, AUDLEY COURT, NEWPORT
On behalf of the Association, Eddie & Cath Shinton, along with Mark
Shaw, were proud to be able to present this cheque to Major Mike
Burrows, Principal, Combat Stress, Audley Court, and his assistant
Alison. This amount having been donated by Association Members
taking part in the recent reunion raffle and auction, and sponsored
fund raising events. We had a guided tour of the facility and
also met some of the current clients. A very enjoyable and
worthwhile day. |
| |
 |
|
|
|
. |
|
SUNDAY 2nd MAY 2010 - DEDICATION OF
MEMORIAL BENCH FOR MAJOR WILLIAM M. BERRIDGE, BEM., RAVC (OC ADU NI
1975-79) |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
The Members of ADU NI Association were
delighted to welcome members of Major Berridge's family to this
Dedication ceremony held at the National Memorial Arboretum in
Staffordshire. Pictured above is Desmond Berridge, brother of
Major Berridge, his nephew Anthony and three nieces. Other photos
show Association Founder, Eddie Shinton, with Desmond Berridge, the
Association Standard Bearer, John Lynn, and Association Bugler, Dave
Harding. A gathering of approximately 90 attended the short
ceremony conducted by Rev. John Allen, and returned to Alrewas Royal
British Legion for a family reception. Another very proud day for
the Association. |
|
|
. |
|
SUNDAY 8TH NOVEMBER 2009 -
REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY
We feel very privileged to have been
granted permission to march as a Unit in our own right at the
Remembrance Sunday parade in Whitehall in front of Her Majesty The
Queen and other members of the Royal Family. This is the first
time ever a contingent of ADU NI dog handlers has been accepted to
take part in this prestigious event. 48 ex dog handlers from
numerous different regiments will be on parade that day. It will
be a very proud day for us all to be part of this. |
|
|
|
|
ADU NI on parade ... a proud moment |
|
 |
|
|
|
Several ADU NI members not attending the Cenotaph will
be laying a wreath at our own memorial at the National Memorial
Arboretum in Staffordshire during Remembrance Sunday. |
|
|
. |
|
1st AUGUST 2009 - DEDICATION OF NEW
MEMORIAL AT THE NATIONAL MEMORIAL ARBORETUM |
 |
As a member of the
Association you would have the chance to find out how we achieved the
new memorial and take part in the planned visits to the National
Memorial Arboretum in remembrance of our colleagues and other reunions planned
throughout each year |
 |
|
|
. |
|
THE KILIMANJARO PROJECT
ADU
NI Member Ian Walton, is planning a charity hike to the summit of Mount
Kilimanjaro in aid of the "HELP FOR HEROES" fund.
See details of this
project by using this link ...
|
|
|
. |
 |
ALWAYS AVAILABLE IN
THE SHOP TO OUR MEMBERS
Red Paws - newly
designed Association Tie - new design wall plaque -
plus quality summer
and winter garments - exclusive ADU NI prints - car stickers - DVDs - mouse mats
- mugs - cotton shopping bags, etc. All garments customised to order for ADU NI |
 |
|
|
. |
|
QUOTES FROM MEMBERS
ABOUT ADU NI
"We were a bit like the 'Dirty Dozen' - dysfunctional
misfits, but with dogs! ... and there were loads of us!" - Eddie Shinton
"NI was hilarious, a bit like the Wild Bunch meets Blazing Saddles - with
White Fang thrown in!" - Dave Wilson
AND A FINAL THOUGHT ...
Civvi mates share a few experiences.
Squaddie mates share a lifetime of experiences no Civvi could ever dream of. |
|
. |
|
SO ....
WHAT'S ON OFFER FOR YOU WHEN YOU JOIN US?
A chance to be back in touch with old mates and comrades with whom you have
lost touch.
Take part in the Members' Chat Forum
An ADU NI Association
Lapel Badge
An opportunity to browse through over
1100 photos
submitted by members and to share your memories in published stories on a
website which is updated on a daily basis.
We need your contributions to
keep it alive!
The chance to buy some quality merchandise from the Members' shop. Lost
your Red Paw? We've got them!!
The opportunity of attending functions - some already confirmed - others in
the pipeline,
and therefore meet up with all the old colleagues you have
re-contacted.
And you may gain a lot of pleasure from the camaraderie! |
ADU NI ASSOCIATION
BADGE
Suitable for wearing
beside a blazer badge or on a lapel
|
|
|
. |
|
POST TRAUMATIC STRESS
DISORDER
|
It has come to our
attention during email conversations with many members that PTSD is
quite prevalent. None of us is medically qualified, but felt that it
might be useful to address the problem in the only way we can by
offering any suggestions and help which we know about. Firstly, for many
who mentioned it, they were surprised to find out they were not on their
own, and that other members were also suffering. Some freely admit they
have a problem - others are in total denial, feeling it is a sign of
weakness. This is not the case. We have found an
on-line self-assessment test which may interest some of you. Please have
a look at it -
http://www.slshealth.com/behavioral_info/selftestposttrauma.asp?CatID=25
If, after you complete this test, you feel that you would like to talk
to a professional, then the 'Combat Stress' Organization comes very
highly recommended -
http://www.combatstress.org.uk/
Don't continue to suffer in silence .... there really is help out
there for you. If any members can recommend any other organizations
which they have found helpful in this situation, we would very much like
to hear about them. |
|
|
. |
|
REGISTRATION
Our registration fee is £12 (maximum - on a sliding scale) which covers a new member
until the following 31st October.
Annual subscription thereafter
(renewable November) - £10 |
