Arctic squadron recruits huskies for training

The Royal Navy said huskies were used for training sessions for the first time

An elite squadron, which includes Devon-based commandos, has trialled using dogs to supply troops, operating behind enemy lines, with ammunition and food in the Arctic Circle.

Specialists from Chivenor-based Commando Logistic Regiment joined the Commando Helicopter Force’s Ground Mobility Troop to work with huskies during their deployment to northern Norway.

The goal was to look at "how the dogs could be used on high-risk supply runs into adversary territory", the Royal Navy said.

Captain Al Hunter of the Royal Marines said they were "addressing the threat of high-tech weapons" by looking at "low-tech solutions".

Mainly operating at night, the emphasis was on speed and remaining hidden, the Royal Navy said

Whisky Squadron is made up of expert engineers, logisticians and drivers as well as armed protection troops.

Mainly operating at night, the emphasis of the winter operation was on speed and remaining hidden, the Royal Navy said.

It added: "The commandos looked at how sleds pulled by huskies – known for their strength and endurance – could help deliver supplies to troops, making considerations on the types of operations canine companions could be deployed on."

The Royal Navy said the training was "one small part" of Whisky Squadron's first deployment, having formed six months ago.

Major Rory Bate of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, the officer commanding Whisky Squadron, said he was was "jubilant" about the trial.

He told BBC Radio Devon dog sleds were "light-weight, agile and could go to places they couldn't take a vehicle".

"It's a completely alien environment... the snow's thigh-deep... and it's nothing but a winter wonderland."

The early phases of the deployment taught the commandos skills in surviving, moving and fighting in the Arctic

Marine Robert Swart, a weapon technician, said: “As a young marine you want to come out to Norway and test yourself in one of the hardest environments in the world, operating in the frozen plateau is arduous and a great way to confirm one’s soldiering ability.”

Whisky Squadron operates in the Arctic with 45 Commando as part of the Littoral Response Group, a Royal Navy task force designed to "react to world events in Northern Europe’s waterways and chokepoints".