Faithful companion gets posthumous award 07.09.12
75An Army explosives sniffer dog who died hours after his handler was killed in Afghanistan is to be given a posthumous award.
Theo, a springer spaniel, was the inseparable companion of Lance Corporal Liam Tasker who was shot by insurgents while on patrol in Helmand province in March last year.
The dog was described as a "true friend" to the soldier and its ashes were flown back to the UK in the same aircraft as his handler.
Theo and LCpl Tasker from The Royal Army Veterinary Corps, 1st Military Working Dog Regiment had detected a record 14 Taliban roadside bombs and weapons caches in five months and are credited with saving countless lives.
Shortly after LCpl Tasker was killed, Theo died of a seizure. Now it has been announced that Theo is to be awarded the PDSA Dickin Medal, known as the animals' Victoria Cross, for his "heroic actions".
The award is said to be the highest accolade any animal can receive in recognition of devotion to duty in saving human life while serving in military conflict.
LCpl Tasker, from Tayport in Fife, was posthumously honoured with an MBE in September last year.