Hundreds mourn brave Army dog handler

Lance Corporal Liam Tasker, 26, of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps, was shot dead on March 1 while on patrol with his springer spaniel Theo.

The sniffer dog, described as a “true friend” to the soldier, died hours later after suffering a seizure, L/Cpl Tasker’s family believing Theo died from a broken heart.

Both had been hailed for their work, having made 14 finds of hidden bombs and weapons caches in just five months – a record for a dog and handler.

Several hundred people packed into Tayport Parish Church, Fife, and lined the streets outside to pay their respects to the arms explosive search handler from Kirkcaldy.

During the funeral, L/Cpl Tasker’s tearful brother Ian recalled fond memories of the soldier and told mourners: “Liam was the best brother, son, grandson and indeed friend you could ask for.”

Mr Tasker told how he and his brother had grown closer in recent years and would enjoy time talking together and playing music.

He added: “Liam said at the end of one of his letters, ‘Every day is a gift, not a given right’. I’d like to use this day to celebrate his life rather than mourn his death.”

The commanding officer of the 1st Military Working Dog Regiment, Lt Col David Thorpe, described L/Cpl Tasker as a “natural dog man” who displayed an “uncanny empathy” with the animals during his training.

“He saved the lives of his friends and colleagues on numerous occasions. He was a hero,” he said.