Messenger Dogs in the Field 101 



my 2 dogs were killed with one shell, also the runner that 

 was taking them to the front line — that was on 28th Sep- 

 tember. I was very sorry to have them killed as they 

 were very good dogs." 



The official report on the work of the dogs at Kemmel 

 is as follows : 



" On 17th April during the German attacks on Kemmel 

 Hill, three more Messenger Dog Groups were sent up by 

 road to XXII. Corps, and reallotted straight away by 

 them to the 9th Division. These dogs were sent to 

 Scherpenberg, which was the advanced 9th Divisional Head- 

 quarters. When they arrived, however, the Division was 

 already retiring, and the groups were left for the use of 

 the Brigade. It is of interest to note, that these dogs did 

 sterling work, between Kemmel and Scherpenberg, during 

 the whole of the German attack on Kemmel Hill." 



The Report continues : 



" The Messenger Dog Groups, which had been allotted 

 to the XV. Corps had been reallotted by them, two Groups 

 to 1st Australian Division, and two Groups to 1st Guards' 

 Brigade. The Australian Division reallotted one group 

 for use with their Brigade at Fletre, and one group was 

 used with the 2nd Brigade at Borre. The 1st Life Guards 

 used their two groups in the Forest of Nieppe. These two 

 groups were used by the 1st Guards' Brigade during the 

 heavy mustard gas attacks on 22nd April, which caused 

 so many casualties. Two out' of the twelve dogs were 

 badly wounded, and all the dogs suffered from the gas, 

 although they ultimately recovered. 



