4:20pm UK, Tuesday December 09, 2003

A Springer spaniel named Buster has been awarded the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross for helping save the lives of countless troops and civilians in Iraq.

Buster with handler in Iraq

The six-year-old Army dog broke a resistance cell in Safwan, southern Iraq, when he discovered a hidden cache of weapons and explosives.

Following the find, all attacks ceased and troops were able to replace their helmets with berets shortly afterwards.

Posing for photographers and TV cameras outside the Imperial War museum with his handler Sergeant Danny Morgan, Buster looked rather puzzled by all the attention.

Sgt Morgan, 38, said the buildings they searched in Safwan were thought to be the headquarters of extremists responsible for attacks on British forces.


During the search of one house Buster very quickly gave his handler "a positive indication" and stopped and stared at a wardrobe.

Soldiers had already searched the building and found nothing but Mr Morgan trusted his dog's instinct.

The wardrobe was moved and a piece of tin fell from the back to reveal a concealed cavity.

Inside were Russian AK47 assault rifles, a pistol, six grenades, ammunition, two kilos of cocaine and propaganda material.

Buster is the 60th animal to be presented with the prestigious medal since 1943..

The other recipients include pigeons, three horses and a cat.