Two Explosive Detector Dogs (EDDs) who kept kiwi soldiers safe in Afghanistan are being recognised this Purple Poppy Day at the National Army Museum in Waiouru.
Dogs Yardley and Chuck will posthumously receive the inaugural New Zealand Animal Distinguished Service Award at the Waiouru Museum’s War Animal Memorial Service at 11am on Monday 24 February.
The award was established by the Australian War Animal Memorial Organisation (AWAMO) to recognise outstanding actions, deeds or service of individual animals to the community and this is the first time it has been awarded here in New Zealand.
“This award recognises the hard work and dedication of the animals, their human handlers and caregivers, who play an important role in nurturing and training these extraordinary animal heroes,” said AWAMO President, Nigel Allsopp. “Although the award was intended for a single, service animal, as both Yardley and Chuck served side by side in Afghanistan it was appropriate to award them both at the same time.”
In late 2012, Yardley and Chuck were the first New Zealand Defence Force EDDs to be deployed overseas, to Afghanistan in the Bamiyan province, to assist the New Zealand Provincial Reconstruction Team. Their job was to detect hidden explosives. They worked diligently carrying out searches of routes vehicles would pass through, compounds, buildings, vehicles and people. If one of the dogs found an explosive, they would ‘indicate’ this by sitting beside it.
They were particularly unique being a Labrador and Springer Spaniel and not the expected usual breed of big, dominant German Shepherds. Their handler Regan Blogg a former Corporal in the NZ Army said to begin with, “little did everyone know just how much heart and drive these two dogs would have.”
Yardley was known for his relaxed, easy-going attitude and love of company. Little Chuck was the more energetic of the two, and sometimes called a ‘little pocket rocket’ within the contingent. He would search by darting and skidding everywhere and when he sometimes overshoot a scent and had to hit on the brakes, rolling to scoot back around. They were different in personality, but the best of buddies.
“We are privileged to be hosting the inaugural presentation of these special awards. There’s no more fitting day than Purple Poppy Day when we pay tribute and honour the sacrifice of all military animals. We will make sure we celebrate Yardley and Chuck, two dogs who gave loyal and brave service to this country. Their contribution will not be forgotten,” said Museum Marketing and Visitor Experience Manager Nicola Bennett.
Sadly after several years in retirement both dogs have recently passed away, Yardley in April 2023 and Chuck in August 2024. They will be honoured by members of the New Zealand Defence Force including several military working dogs at the National Army Museum’s service on 24 February.
On Purple Poppy Day each year, the National Army Museum commemorates the unsung animal heroes who served alongside our soldiers in times of conflict. The purple poppy symbolises these brave animals, the often forgotten, voiceless contributors and the Museum endeavours to ensure their sacrifice will not be forgotten.
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