UK MWD Theo gets his own medal for courage

I last wrote about Theo and his partner and best friend LCpl Liam Tasker here, when they both made the ultimate sacrifice in Afghanistan in March 2011. I then wrote of the family, when they received the Elizabeth Cross, background of which is here.

Today comes word that Theo has been recognised for his courage, and given a medal posthumously.

From the Daily Mail:

A medal of courage for bomb dog Theo: Posthumous award for heroic animal who died hours after his master

By Ian Drury, Defence Correspondent
7 September 2012

An Army sniffer dog has been posthumously awarded the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross.

Theo, a 22-month-old springer spaniel cross, will receive the PDSA Dickin Medal for life-saving bravery in conflict.

He suffered a fatal seizure just hours after his handler, Lance Corporal Liam Tasker, 26, was shot dead by the Taliban in March 2011.

The pair uncovered 14 bombs and hoards of weapons in five months on the front line - more than any other dog and handler in the conflict.

Military chiefs hailed them for saving the lives of countless British soldiers in Afghanistan.

L/Cpl Tasker’s family were last night ‘delighted’ to hear that Theo has received the posthumous gallantry award, which are handed out sparingly by the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals.

His mother Jane Duffy, 53, said her family were ‘ecstatic.’..

More on this here.

Honoured: Army sniffer dog Theo, pictured with his master Lance Corporal Liam Tasker, has been posthumously awarded the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross

*Bratdog approves this post