Sentry Dogs 215 



Some dogs that were sent out to an infantry regiment 

 in Egypt, averted what might have been a serious disaster. 

 It was on the same day as the Yeomanry were so severely 



attacked, and when there was a dense mist. The infan 

 were also attacked, but the dogs were too quick, and so 

 clearly indicated the approach of the enemy, that an order 

 was given to fire into the mist. This had an immediate 

 effect, and the attack was checked. When the mist clea 

 away, large numbers of enemy dead were found. 



I also sent some good Airedale sentries to the flooded 

 areas of the Belgian front, and they were much appre- 

 ciated, and there were eighteen Airedales with the South- 

 West African Force. General Botha was very pleased 

 with these, especially on one occasion, when they were the 

 means of warning of a large enemy ambush, and whereby 

 a considerable capture of the enemy was effected. 



Sentry dogs are particularly suitable, where the con- 

 ditions are those of open warfare. For this reason, there 

 was not so much interest taken in them for the Western 

 Front as time went on, and the position of our army became 

 more entrenched. On certain parts of the front, however, 

 which were not so consolidated, and especially towards the 

 end, they would have been useful. 



I have mentioned already that some sentry dogs were 

 trained at the War Dog School, and were sent out to 

 Salonica. Airedales had been especially asked for, so 

 they were all of this breed ; but, as I will point out further 

 on, it would be a mistake to limit the choice of dog to this 

 kind. They formed a very handsome contingent, and 

 went out in charge of some specially trained men. Very 

 good work was done after arrival, and no doubt very large 

 use would have been made of this sort of sentry aid on this 

 front, as it was found that on forward posts in the moun- 



