After protecting troops from dozens of terror attacks by sniffing out mobile phones and GPS devices, Hertz the hero RAF dog has been honoured.
The German shorthaired pointer, was the first dog in British military history trained to detect electronic gear that could be used to target forces.
Hertz found more than 100 items during a tour in Afghanistan, with his proud handler Warrant Officer Jonathan Tanner confident lives were saved.
He has been awarded the prestigious PDSA Dickin Medal – the animal equivalent to the Victoria Cross.
The pair were deployed to Camp Bastion in 2013, with military chiefs anxious that terrorists were sneaking data in and out of the base.
WO Tanner, who is in the RAF Police, said: “One time he found a solo SIM card in a pile of clothes.
“All the stuff we found was sent for analysis and as far as I’m aware there was data in there and details that did stop potential attacks.”
Now 10, Hertz is now enjoying his retirement in Shepperton, Surrey, and Mr Tanner said he has been able to visit him in his new home.
New owner Paul Chard, 60, said: “If I take him to somebody’s house where he’s never been he’ll go around sniffing everywhere.
“He loves his retirement, he loves beaches and walks.”
