WELCOME
all ex-army E2 regimental dog handlers of "Wagtails", "Groundhogs" & "Snappers" who served in Northern Ireland as a member of ADU NI
and who was qualified to wear the prestigious
"Red Paw" pin

THIS ASSOCIATION IS RUN BY DOG HANDLERS ...
FOR DOG HANDLERS

Restricted Access
Members' Area

This is where you'll find the Chat forum,
over 1200 members' photos,
our shop, and much more ...
including your old friends - hopefully!
 

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.

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WHAT HAVE WE MANAGED TO ACHIEVE SINCE 8th OCTOBER 2008

Reunited old comrades after decades apart.

1st August, 2009

The Dedication of our own self-funded memorial sited at the National Memorial Arboretum in memory of lost dog handlers and their dogs
8th November 2009 The Association was recognised as a Unit in its own right and became an official contingent for the Cenotaph march past in Whitehall on Remembrance Sundays - 2009 being our very first appearance.
1st May 2010 - Foundation Day Reunion 37th Anniversary of the formation of ADU NI
2nd May 2010 - the Dedication of a Memorial Bench at the National Memorial Arboretum in memory ADU NI RAVC Officer,
Major William M. Berridge, BEM
The ceremony was attended by members of the Berridge family
26th May 2010 - the presentation of £3,500 (raised at the Foundation Day Reunion) to the Combat Stress Charity at Audley Court, Newport, Shropshire.

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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.

   

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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.

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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.

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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

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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 ...

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

   


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Web design and maintenance - Cath Shinton