SAS trooper ‘Horse’ credits Belgian Malinois Quake with saving his life. Photo: Supplied.
The lifesaving role of the unsung Belgian Malinois dogs will be chronicled in an explosive new documentary on the combat experiences of Australian Special Air Service (SAS) troops who fought in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The crowdfunded film Bravery & Betrayal is backed by charity Wandering Warriors, which supports SAS veterans and their families.
The documentary will premiere in Perth on 26 April before continuing a tour of the west coast, showings across the east coast starting 22 May.
Wandering Warriors is looking for an additional $100,000 to finish production and ensure widespread distribution; the public is asked to help by making donations online.
In the documentary, SAS troops explain how they feel betrayed by politicians, media and senior defence leaders after being treated like criminals when returning home, despite risking their lives abroad for their country.
The combat dogs, on the other hand, show the SAS troops nothing but loyalty and devotion.
“One of them was Kuga, who we ran out in front of us handrailing the river [in Afghanistan],” a soldier referred to by the nickname ‘Vando’ says in the film.
“He detected a Taliban machine gun position on the other side of the river. The Taliban freaked out and [shot at] the dog in the water. Kuga got three rounds in the chest.
“He crawled out of the river, kept crawling towards the machine gun and the Taliban gunners abandoned their positions because they’d never seen anything like it. This ‘Terminator’ dog that just kept going, it saved our lives.”
For his efforts, Kuga became the first Australian animal in history to be awarded the Dickin Medal, which recognises animal bravery in military combat.
The Belgian Malinois is similar to a German Shepherd, but smaller and more agile. In addition to detecting enemies and explosives for the SAS, the breed also scouts and undertakes surveillance, defends troops and provides companionship.
“I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for [my dog] Quake,” soldier ‘Horse’ says.
“Having him there with his senses gave us more confidence. We were able to achieve so much more… faster with their protection.”
The Belgian Malinois is similar to a German Shepherd but lighter and more agile. Photo: Supplied.
Radley Grubbs, a US Blackhawk helicopter pilot who fought alongside the SAS, says losing a dog in combat hurts the troops almost as much as the death of a soldier.
“I was there when [dog] Fax was killed. It’s the only time I’ve ever seen a tier-one operator cry,” he says.
“[The soldier] carried him draped over his shoulder, blood-soaked shirt on the front and back. It hurt. It felt like one of your brothers-in-arms being killed. We put a ramped ceremony together for Fax, they put him in a flag-draped coffin… every Australian was out there lined up, right hands up in a salute.
“They even walked the other dogs through, they knew Fax was in that coffin. It was very moving and something I’ll never forget… all dogs go to heaven.”
Film director Simon J. Heath says the documentary will feature ‘Mr Grubbs’ alongside eight other American special forces pilots who have never previously spoken publicly.
“People don’t realise those Americans delivered the SAS into battle and rescued them from the battlefield. They saw everything and provided an independent set of eyes on everything the SAS did,” he says.
Mr Heath says his film also includes interviews with former prime ministers John Howard, Tony Abbott and Kevin Rudd. Julia Gillard was invited to be part of the documentary but declined.
The SAS troopers in the film are identified only by nicknames due to operational security reasons. Photo: Supplied.
SAS trooper ‘Andy’ says the purpose of the production is to set the record straight after “sensationalist” media coverage of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) Afghanistan Inquiry, led by Major General Paul Brereton, which investigated alleged war crimes involving a small number of SAS members.
“Since returning, many of us have felt scapegoated,” ‘Andy’ says.
“The media narrative often paints with a broad brush and public perception follows suit. The presumption of guilt surrounding accusations of war crimes overshadowed decades of dedication, commitment and exemplary service.
“[The film aims to] honour the service and sacrifices of SAS soldiers, expose systemic failures, and advocate for meaningful reforms in the treatment of veterans, both during and after their service.”
Mr Heath says production is almost finished and with the support of the Australian public, the impact can be enormous.
After the world premiere in Perth and tour of Australia, the team is also looking to screen the documentary in Europe and America.
Register your interest in watching a screening of Bravery & Betrayal on the Wandering Warriors website. Help the charity finish the film and share it with a wide audience by donating on the documentary’s Give Easy page. Updates on where and how you can watch the film after its premiere will be provided on the Bravery & Betrayal website.
