Certificate for Loyal and Faithful Service awarded to RAF patrol dog 'Ben', with covering letter to the owner, circa 1942-1945

This Certificate for Loyal and Faithful Service was awarded to RAF Police Patrol Dog ‘Ben’ (No. 1525). It was personally signed by the RAF Police’s Provost Marshal.

The RAF began officially training dogs for security patrols and guard duties in 1942. Dogs were lent to the RAF following public appeals, purchased, or bred. They were deployed around the UK and overseas, wherever the RAF Police were stationed. At the end of their wartime service, dogs lent to the RAF received the Certificate for Loyal and Faithful Service before being medically checked and returned to their owners.