ON THE STRENGTH

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 4, Issue 167, 13 October 1941, Page 6

ON THE STRENGTH

N.Z. BRIGADE COMPANY'S DOG

CAIRO, Sept. G

Attached to tlie headquarters of a £s T e\v Zealand infantr\ r brigade is a dog named Whisky, a veteran of the Greek campaign and veiy wise in the ways of war. Whisky was bought as a pup in Athens for a drachma, which is something less than a half-penny. He is no casual dog who just happens to be with the headquarters company. He is included with "other ranks" in the company's strength, has been given a regimental nuinbei and identity disc and is always allowed for on the ration state. He Ls subject to regular medical examination and has been passed lit lor {ictivc service. Officers and men at Brigade Headquarters have become very attached to Whisky in the six months which lie has been with them. No one is prepared to define his breed, but "long-haired fox terrier" would be as close a guess as any. It is admitted that Whisky is being spoiled by being everyone's pet, but lie is still capable of looking after himself iii j action. He accompanied the brigade on manoeuvres recently, and when darknes fell he selected a spot where the sand was soft and dug himsell a slit trench for the night. Whisky became very air-raid conscious in Greece. At the first sound of an aeroplane he was always far ahead of everyone else in taking cover and there was never a move from him until the raiders had passed. Ho heard live artillery lire a lew dajs agO ! , and at the iirst bark of the guns he vanished into the nearest tent and commenced digging himself in. When the brigade returned from Greece Whisky, was lost during the disembarkation. War weary and lonely, he joined his own unit again ft few days later at a camp sonic miles distant. There was talk of promotion on that occasion, but Whisky preferred to remain a private .

Life in the desert is trying for a clog, especially a Greek dog. Whisky is rarely seen during the heat of the clay, but on early morning parades and in the evening lie is always very frisky, for he is alter all, still a pup.