Corporal David Brian BROWN, QGM, UDR
"Brian" aged 37 years
11.02.1949-28.05.1986
Brian was a Dog Handler with the Ulster Defence Regiment and had attended a garage in Kilkeel, County Down following a terrorist bomb warning. He had been checking the premises with his golden labrador, Oliver, when the bomb exploded. Both Corporal Brown and Oliver were killed instantly, and it is believed that Oliver may have nudged an oil drum containing the bomb, which was activated by a mercury tilt switch. A colleague was badly injured. Brian had been a dog handler for ten years.  In July 1987 Brian's wife, Florence, was awarded his Queen's Gallantry Medal for his actions on that day. This medal is awarded for 'exemplary acts of bravery'.

Corporal Bryan CRIDDLE, BEM, RAVC
19.05.1939 - 22.07.1973
Aged 34 years
Bryan was from Blockley in Gloucestershire and he died of his injuries following a terrorist bomb explosion. He had been working his search dog and had seen a milk churn in a field, and on going to examine it, the bomb it contained was detonated by remote control.  His German shepherd dog, Jason, was blown 30 feet away.  However, Jason escaped injury.  The bomb was found to have been made up of 3 milk churns containing a total of approximately 700 lbs of explosives.  Bryan was married, with 3 children, and had been awarded the BEM earlier in July 1973 for Meritorious Service.

Sapper Malcolm Robert Ernest ORTON, RE
24.07.1949 - 17.09.1973
Aged 24 years
Malcolm, a Guard dog handler in ADU NI, who died in tragic circumstances at Long Kesh.  Malcolm was married with young children, a son and 2 daughters.

Lance Corporal Peter HAMPSON, PARA
"Hammy"
24.11.1956 - 24.12.1981
Aged 25 years
Hammy' was 25, an AES dog handler in ADU NI, who died in tragic circumstances at Strabane.  He was unmarried, but left behind his parents and 3 sisters.

Corporal Derek HAYES, RPC
10.12.1959 - 21.05.1988
Aged 28 years
Derek was from Lincolnshire and was killed along with his dog in a terrorist booby-trap bomb at Castleblayney Road, Crossmaglen.  He had gone forward to investigate a box, partly hidden in a ditch, and on doing so the bomb detonated. Corporal Hayes was buried with the ashes of his dog, Ben.

Corporal Terence Gavin O'NEILL, RRF
"Geordie"
20.05.1947 - 25.05.1991
Aged 44 years
Was killed when a grenade was thrown over the wall of his base.  He had just finished feeding his dog and had been speaking with Cpl Darren Swift (Swifty), another dog handler, when the attack took place.  Cpl Swift lost both legs in the explosion.  'Geordie' had served 22 years, and was due to retire from the Army within 6 months.

"Guardian of the Night"

Trust in me, my friend, for I am your comrade.
I will protect you with my last breath when all others have left you
and the loneliness of the night closes in.  I will be at your side.

Together we will conquer all obstacles, and search out those who might wish harm to others.
All I ask of you is compassion, the caring touch of your hands.
It is for you that I will unselfishly give my life and spend my nights un-rested.
Although our days together may be marked by the passing of the
seasons, know that each day at your side is my reward.

My days are measured by the coming and going of your footsteps. I anticipate them at every opening of the door.
You are the voice of caring when I am ill and the voice of authority when I've done wrong.
You do not chastise me unduly for I am your right arm, the sword at your side.
I attempt to do only what you bid of me. I seek only to please you and remain in your favour.

Together you and I shall experience a bond only others like us will understand.
When outsiders see us together their envy will be measured by their disdain.
I will quietly listen to you and pass no judgment, nor will your spoken words be repeated.
I will remain ever silent, ever vigilant, and ever loyal.

And when our time together is done and you move on in the world, remember me with kind thoughts and tales.
For a time we were unbeatable. Nothing passed among us undetected.
If we should meet again on another street I will gladly take up your fight.
I am a Military Working Dog ….. and together we are the Guardians

Anon

"OLIVER"
died with Brian
28.05.1986