Smoky the War Dog

In Smoky the War Dog, historian and former military dog handler Nigel Allsopp tells the story of Smoky and Bill, long forgotten in Australia, and chronicles his own efforts to see Smoky formally recognised for her war work. He interweaves Smoky’s story with remarkable tales of other military dogs, past and present, and the vital roles they play in wartime.

Nigel Allsopp Nigel Allsopp born in the United Kingdom started his Military Career as a Military Working Dog Handler in the Royal New Zealand Air Force Police in 1980. Within his 15 years service he rose to the rank of DOGMASTER responsible for all aspects of Canine Operations and training within the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF). During his service he was a Military Working Dog Handler, a specialist Narcotic detection dog handler and an Explosive detection handler at various times. He became the first Military Dog trainer to qualify as a NZ Civilian Police dog trainer and supervisor. Nigel has trained numerous Government Agencies such as Customs, Police, Corrective Service and Federal Aviation Security in the use of specialist dogs. Nigel has also trained and supplied specialist detection dogs and Military Working Dogs to South East Asian Countries on behalf of formal government requests whilst in the NZDF.