A retired RAF police dog received the prestigious PDSA Dickin Medal – the animals’ Victoria Cross – for his life-saving devotion to duty, protecting British and Allied troops while serving in Afghanistan throughout 2013.

Hertz is the first dog in British military history to detect electronic communications equipment such as mobile phones, voice recorders, SIM cards and GPS devices.

Throughout his time in Afghanistan, Hertz was responsible for finding more than 100 items of contraband, including drugs and Personal Electronic Devices (PEDs), all of which posed a significant threat to the lives of servicemen, women and civilians.

The ten-year-old German Shorthaired Pointer was formally presented with his PDSA Dickin Medal by veterinary charity PDSA’s director general at a special ceremony at the Royal Air Force Club in Mayfair, London on Tuesday. Hertz is the 74th recipient of the PDSA Dickin Medal.

Watch Hertz’s incredible story: www.pdsa.org.uk/hertz

PDSA director general Jan McLoughlin said: “Hertz is a truly remarkable animal hero and a trailblazer in his field. His exceptional skills undoubtedly protected troops from the ever-evolving advances in digital intelligence. His actions changed the course of countless missions, saving the lives of military personnel and civilians.

“For this bravery and devotion to duty, we are honoured to welcome him as the latest recipient of the PDSA Dickin Medal.”