Messenger Dogs in the Field ion 



especially. Unfortunately he had to be sent back from the 

 line on account of shell-shock. 



" I went to the 15th Corps on the 26/7/18 and went 

 into the line to the 9th Div. near Meteren, and was 

 sent to the 26th Brigade. My dogs were running through 

 Meteren to Fletre, about 6,ooo yards. I had a black-and- 

 white collie, ' Pierrot.' He was a good dog, and did some 

 very good work. The black-and-white collie, ' Domino,' 

 was not of much use. He had been with No. 3 Section and 

 had shell-shock, and would not run when there was any 

 shelling going on. I then went to the 30th Div., 93rd 

 Brigade, on the left of Fletre. I went up the line with 

 two dogs ' Pierrot ' and ' Domino.' As there was heavy 

 artillery fire on that front ' Domino ' was useless, but 

 ' Pierrot ' made some good runs." 



Keeper Fergusson, in his statement, confesses to his pre- 

 dilection for Airedales for the work, and while it is true 

 that they are remarkably hardy dogs and not inclined to 

 be nervous under fire, still I have convincing recommenda- 

 tions as to other breeds from other keepers in the field. 



" I consider the most useful dogs for the work are Aire- 

 dales, pure or cross-bred. They have not great speed, 

 but they are sure, and soon find their way on strange 

 ground. 



" The most outstanding instance of usefulness which I 

 have on record was with my Airedale dog, ' Jock,' No. 73. 

 He on several occasions in the month of June, 1918, was 

 taken forward with the attacking forces, and was sent back 

 with messages stating that the positions had been cap- 

 tured, giving the estimate of casualties, and giving map 



