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bobdina
07-01-2010, 08:54 AM
Herbie Finally Home To Rest In Peace
30 June 2010
The Catafalque Party rest on arms during the 2nd Commando Regiment Memorial Service.
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Explosive Detection Dog Herbie was remembered in a small service at Gallipoli Barracks as his ashes were returned to Mrs Angela Smith, the wife of Sapper Darren Smith killed in action on June 7 2010.

The 2nd Combat Engineer Regiment (2 CER) paused while Herbie’s service contribution was recalled and rewarded by two service medals awarded by the Australian Defence Force Trackers and War Dogs Association.

Mrs Smith was joined by the fiancée of Sapper Jacob Moerland, Kezia Mulcahy, and fellow EDD handler, Corporal Craig Turnbull.

Mrs Smith said it was good to have both of them home.

“It’s nice to finally leave them both to rest together,” Mrs Smith said.
“He was protecting Darren and he paid the ultimate sacrifice as well for Darren and the many innocent people who could have been injured.

Commanding Officer (2 CER) Lieutenant Colonel John Carey said in Afghanistan sometimes all that stands between coalition troops and death or serious injury was a dog like Herbie.

“At the end of the day, Herbie saved lives,” Lieutenant Colonel Carey said.
“The capability Herbie brought to the fight cannot be replicated by man or machine.
“The Regiment and the Army will miss him – he protected us on the field of battle. He is gone, but will never be forgotten.”

Herbie was also farewelled by around 100 engineers and soldiers of the 1st Mentoring Task Force attended a service at Multi-National Base Tarin Kowt to farewell a much loved mate, before the a three-year-old Border Collie and Husky cross left for home.

Explosive Detection Dogs Bundy, Harry and Tank were also present at the service at Multi-National Base Tarin Kowt to farewell their mate.

http://www.defence.gov.au/defencenews/stories/2010/Jun/0630.htm