242 British War Dogs 



there no one troubles about him, no caresses, no feeding. 

 He is at once installed in a dug-out during the shelling. 

 When he is required, someone who is a stranger to the dog 

 approaches, and places the dispatch in the metal box, 

 which is attached to the collar. The dog is then loosed, 

 and the direction he is to follow is indicated by a wave 

 of the hand. The dog departs at once, and despite all 

 obstacles, rejoins his master. On arrival, the dog is re- 

 warded, caressed, petted. He also finds nourishment await- 

 ing him, and his desired friend. 



This method of procedure is always attended with the 

 best results. 



The allocation to the infantry regiments is fixed at six 

 dogs per battalion — these numbers can be augmented 

 if the results are satisfactory. 



The division has fifty dogs to dispose of. They are to be 

 considered as being attached to the corps, and not to the 

 sector. They are established at a well-chosen rest-kennel, 

 well isolated. Here all newly-issued dogs are delivered, 

 and also those dogs held in reserve, or which require rest. 



Personnel 



The direction of the rest-kennel is entrusted to a non- 

 commissioned officer. He is charged to superintend the 

 training and exercising, and to watch the satisfactory 

 working of the messenger-dog service in the division. He 

 pays frequent visits to the trenches to inspect the work. 



All the personnel requires selection with discernment. 

 Men who have been in the habit of using dogs, and living 

 with them should be recruited from the corps, such as 

 huntsmen, shepherds and trainers. Two men per company 

 suffice or four or six men per regiment, under the orders 



