War hero sniffer dog wows TV audiences

Buster, wearing medals for bravery, pictured with his handler RAF Police Sergeant Michael Barrow.

Buster bows out after five tours of world’s worst trouble-spots
A HERO RAF dog and his Oldham trainer took centre stage on last night’s “The One Show”.

Buster, a nine-year-old springer spaniel, is retiring after five operational tours as an arms and explosive sniffer dog braving bombs and bullets.

And both he and his handler RAF Police sergeant Michael Barrow (45), from Shaw but now based in Lincolnshire, joined opera singer Katherine Jenkins on the BBC sofa during the popular evening show.

Buster has worked in some of the most hostile war zones in the world and has seen action in places including Afghanistan’s Helmand province and in Iraq.

Now the time has come for Buster to swop war zones for walkies as he steps down from his official role.

And he was more than relaxed during his small-screen debut, enjoying all the attention with his eyes half closed.

Sgt Barrow, a former Royton and Crompton School pupil, will take Buster home to Cranwell, Lincolnshire, to live with his wife Tracy and their two other dogs, a German shepherd and another springer spaniel.

He called Buster one of the top three dogs he has worked with and described how Buster remained calm during several occasions when coming under enemy fire.

He said: “Each time, Buster waited calmly for the action to cease, then carried on his search for improvised explosive devices, and keeping the patrols safe.”

However, Buster will still be called on to don his ceremonial black and red coat as the RAF Police Mascot, and is set to attend the Remembrance Sunday ceremony at Lincoln Cathedral next month.

Sgt Barrow’s mother Maureen Barrow, from Alston Avenue, Shaw, said: “I’m very proud of Michael appearing on ‘The One Show’ and of Buster’s hard work.

“Michael joined the RAF when he was 18, but he also loves animals.”