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Recollections of War > Records

'Canine Defence' tag issued to MacTavish

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c. 1940

Overview

Circular metal 'Canine Defence' identity disc issued to the owner or handler of a dog named MacTavish. It has an oval shaped hole at the top through which it could be attached to the dog's collar.
The front of the disc reads 'Canine Defence, Clifford St, W.1.' in raised, stamped lettering.
The reverse has been engraved with ' MacTavish, W/O Sturt, R.A.F. Biggin Hill'.

Historical information

Warrant Officer Sturt and MacTavish were based at Royal Air Force Biggin Hill.
The tag appears to have been issued by a veterinary practice in Worthing, Sussex, close to the air base. It still operates out of the same address and is now known as 'Worthing Animal Clinic' (W.A.C.).
A file documenting the history of the W.A.C. is attached.

During the Second World War, dogs were recruited by the Armed Forces to serve on patrol and as guards. Ships had dogs and other animals on board as their mascots. The Second World War also saw the first use of mine detection dogs in the British Army.

Details

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-119-RoW00176

Item type

Metal Medallions

Themes

Defence
Social History
War and Conflict > World War 2

Material

Width

25 mm

Height or length

25 mm

Inscriptions and markings

Front of disc:

"CANINE
DEFENCE
CLIFFORD
ST
W.1."

Reverse of disc:

"MACTAVISH
W/O STURT
R.A.F.
BIGGIN HILL"

Keywords

Dog Registration

Royal Air Force (RAF)

History - Social

Place made

London
United Kingdom

Year

Primary significance criteria

Scientific or research significance

Social or spiritual significance

Comparative significance criteria

Interpretive capacity

Rare or representative

Links to additional resources

http://www.worthinganimal.co.uk/WAC-History.pdf

History of the Worthing Animal Clinic

Recollections of War

Recollections of War

Organisation Details
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Other items from Recollections of War

'Canine Defence' dog tag - front

'Canine Defence' dog tag - front

'Canine Defence' dog tag - reverse

'Canine Defence' dog tag - reverse

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