An Cosantóir

www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE | 31 A s "Fionn", the 3 Infantry Battalion's wolfhound mascot approaches his fourth year, it is worth recalling that the battalion was once home to other dogs' During the Emergency years, the "Bloods" were deployed in the south east of the country, spending the summer under canvas and the winters in camps and large houses. At this time, they acquired a variety of canine companions. According to Lt WP Ahern: "These dogs, mongrels and strays were uncanny. Most of them were foolish and primitive, but cheerful and friendly for the greater part. The Pom, the Beagle and "Lar" were excep- tions rather than the rule. The old Red Setter called "Paddy" and "Gaga" who tried conclusions with a Bren Gun Carrier and lived to tell the tale, generally killed the fatted calf whenever they saw a uniform." The battalion was even adopted by a "Pomeranian ... wearing a ribbon...he was looking through a window that gave promise of a spinster and a cushion inside. Nevertheless, when he appeared in camp that night and fought "Buddy" no-one felt like kicking him anymore. From then on he was an Army dog, and the most unfriendly and supercilious beast we ever knew. He evidently had had his fill of petting." Lt Ahern noted "a military advantage. The security of camps was infinitely greater because of these illegal guests. Old Kelly could leave his stores while "Lar" was on the beat, and CS Hendry need never fear when "Terry" was at the bivouac. Stubbs was a better scout when "Nell" was there in intervals of family rearing, so well did she respond to his training." "One thing they all had in common-they never forsook the troops and often they were dropped forty miles away [when the battalion was on exercise]. Distance was nothing. Every man prizes loyalty beyond pearls and they were loyal to a fault." There was a wholly unsuccessful "canine purge instituted one day by an irate Commanding Officer tired of "Gaga's" howling every time the bugle blew and of "Nell's" attentions during C.O.'s inspection." The dogs were hidden until tempers cooled and served on the battalion until the end of The Emer- gency in 1945. In 1960, the Bloods were adopted by the much-loved terrier "Sputnik." According to the battalion's unofficial history: "When Sputnik had joined up not even the Or- derly Room records showed. That he had never been to the Depot was evident from his total disregard for all forms of discipline, and his uniform when he went on a gala parade was a little jacket cast in the Battalion colours." A few NCOs set about "teaching him a few elementary rules in military etiquette, just sufficient to allow him to conduct himself around the barracks. He wasn't required to salute officers but neither was he allowed to widdle against gate posts or bollards or poles dressed in the Battalion colours. He could get "fell in" with any section, platoon or company of his choice during weekly training but he wasn't to put a paw on the parade ground during the Battalion turn-out for CO's ....Sputnik's character quickly developed. He developed a liking for football and mastered the art of dribbling the ball with his forepaws and dummying his way towards the goal posts where he'd score by using his nose for the final heave." Commandant J Morgan recalled: "Sputnik on the sideline, be- ribboned red and white, the colours of Connolly. Pampered was Sputnik too, and jacketed by the ladies of Married Quarters, wait- ing there, tongue hanging, panting, raring to give his half-time display of ball-jugglery.and how he loved the limelight." The Battalion's unofficial history concluded: "His orders forbidding him the use of the parade ground on "CO's" he totally disregarded, but fears that he would make a nuisance of himself were soon allayed. He conducted himself with the utmost de- corum, sitting on his hunkers when the "At Ease" was given, and getting to his feet when the Battalion was brought to attention. It was only on these occasions that he showed any tolerance to- wards officers; at all other times he showed his hate openly, and many a well-blemmed legging got scratches on it if the mood took him. He was a bit of a woman-chaser also - but only women on bicycles. Let one appear, and Sputnik was off in hot pursuit. Complaints to the Orderly Room from outraged females became almost routine."

• Cover