ARMY DOG UNIT NI RAVC HISTORY
1973-2007

The Army Dog Unit Northern Ireland Royal Army Veterinary Corps (ADU NI RAVC) was formed on 1st May 1973 to provide dogs and handlers to enhance the security forces.  In 1980 the Headquarters were moved from Long Kesh to Shackleton Barracks.

The ADU NI RAVC was made up of RAVC personnel and volunteer E2 dog handlers, which consisted of 65 different cap badges.  The unique special role and composition of the unit was recognised in 1974 when the CLF Major General PJH Leng MC MBE granted the ADU NI RAVC personnel the right to wear a red paw, measuring 1/4 of an inch, in their berets to the left of their regimental cap badge.

In April 1997, the GOC NI Lieutenant General Sir Rupert Smith KCB DSO OBE QGM gave the authority for ADU NI RAVC personnel to wear a Red Paw shoulder flash, as a battle recognition symbol, on the left shoulder of their combat clothing.  In 2001 the unit was directed to wear HQ NI shoulder flashes on their left shoulder and the ADU NI RAVC flash was moved to the right shoulder.

The Army Dog Unit proudly holds the record as the longest serving mainland unit during the troubles in Northern Ireland.

In February 1973, "Solider" magazine printed an article about the fledgling unit being formed by the RAVC using what were previously known as 'war dogs' which had just been re-christened 'Army dogs'.  The dogs were being trained in three main areas in an effort to support the security forces in the Province.  If you would like to read the whole article, please click on the logo.

RED PAW CAP BADGE TO UNITE PERSONNEL UNDER ONE CAP BADGE - in 1974 application was made to the Commander Land Forces, Northern Ireland, Major General PJH Leng MC MBE, to allow all members of the Army Dog Unit to wear an additional cap badge next to their parent Corps and Regimental Cap Badge

The red badge, certainly the smallest semi-official badge in the Army, represents the bloody paws of the dogs that were required to carry out their duties, quite often whilst walking on broken glass.

Setting them apart from the rest, dog handlers wore the tiny enamel beret badge with pride for over 20 years before it was realised that the badge had never been officially sanctioned by the official Army Dress Committee.  It was at this time that the official shoulder flash was introduced and sanctioned.

The Arms and Explosives Search Dogs were trained to locate all manner of firearms, explosives, including Semtex, and various bomb components.  All Dog Handlers were volunteers and were recruited from all regiments of the army and so - to illustrate they were qualified Dog Handlers, they wore the small red paw pin badge to the left of the regimental badge in their uniform beret.

During the deployment of the Army Dog Unit in Northern Ireland a total of 4 handlers were killed by terrorist action and two dogs died with their handlers.  A further two handlers died whilst they were on duty.

This tiny badge encapsulated an inter-regimental brotherhood of dog handlers, a massive bond of strong loyalties and immense pride which still remain to this day ... and will continue.

ADU NI UNIT CLOSURE PARADE, BALLYKELLY, NI
1st August, 2007

The ADU NI RAVC 'Search and Secure' flag, flying for the last time, as the unit was re-roled to the 104 Military Working Dog Support Unit.  It was lowered to The Last Post, followed by the raising of the 104 MWD Sp Unit flag to Reveille.  The flag has now been framed for permanent safe keeping.

BUT THIS WAS THE REAL CLOSURE FOR US ALL .....

THE DOG HANDLERS' FAREWELL
1st August, 2009

On the second anniversary of the official Unit Closure, the ex-dog handlers had the opportunity to attend a Service of Dedication of a new Memorial, which they had personally funded, at the National Memorial Arboretum.  Followed by a reunion buffet at the local Royal British Legion, also attended by the families of their remembered colleagues, this was effectively the finalé of ADU NI ... and a fitting 'closure' for those men who had worked at the 'sharp end' with their beloved dogs.