Two brave Royal Air Force police dogs have been awarded the prestigious PDSA Order of Merit for their exceptional contribution to society.
Image: AJ, who completed six full years of active service and thousands of search hours.
The leading vet charity bestowed the ‘animals’ OBE’ on spaniel Alfie and black Labrador AJ for their exemplary work.
Both dogs served in Number 4 RAF Police (Typhoon) Squadron for six years, regularly operating in dangerous situations to locate arms, ammunitions, and explosives.
Spaniel Alfie with his PDSA Order of Merit — the equivalent of the animals’ OBE.
Among Alfie’s finds were two improvised explosive devices (IEDs), while AJ found four, along with buried bomb-making equipment.
Highly regarded and recognised as the best in their field, the canine duo are now enjoying a well-deserved retirement.
“They are a credit to the Royal Air Force,” said Provost Marshal (RAF) Group Captain David Wilkinson, who attended the presentation. “I am immensely proud of everything they both achieved.”