This book traces the colourful history of the deployment of dogs by the RAF Police since 1944, during which time this branch of the Royal Air Force has earned a glowing reputation at home and abroad for the high standard of training exhibited by its dog teams and for its highly professional use of dogs for patrols and specialist duties.The RAF story really begins in 1942, at the height of World War II, Lieutenant Colonel Baldwin formed the Ministry of Aircraft Production Guard Dog School (MAPGDS) at Woodfold near Gloucester, turning out professionally trained RAF dog handlers which in turn released hundreds of men for war duties who had previously been employed as guards. In 1944 the MAPGDS was absorbed by the RAF Police and re-titled as the RAF Police Dog Training School and from that point onwards, the Royal Air Force Police was to be at the forefront of the development and training of dogs for security purposes.In 1949, the RAF Police Dog Demonstration Team appeared for the first time at the Royal Tournament in London and became an instant public success. In 1957 the first annual RAF Police Dog Championship Trials were held at Netheravon. In 1969 the Dog Demonstration Team covered 8,000 miles around the USA and Canada giving 65 public performances in 23 cities and became a favourite at every venue. The RAF began training dogs to detect illicit drugs in 1970 and since 1971 RAF Police dogs on loan to HM Customs & Excise have recovered illicit drugs with a street value of many millions of pounds and are a significant deterrent to smugglers. Dogs were later successfully trained dogs to detect firearms and explosives.
ThriftBooks sells millions of used books at the lowest everyday prices. We personally assess every book's quality and offer rare, out-of-print treasures. We deliver the joy of reading in recyclable packaging with free standard shipping on US orders over $15. ThriftBooks.com. Read more. Spend less.