Snowy (Military dog)

Snowy(S/080) RWP, also known as Commando Snowy, was a Golden Labrador Retriever, who served as a tracking dog for the Sri Lankan Army during the Sri Lankan Civil War. Snowy was attached to the 4th Commando regiment and handled by, Lance Corporal D.H.P. Sampath. After serving in various fronts, on 15 March 2008, Snowy was injured by a grenade while tracking a Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) infiltration unit in Kambilioya, Welioya. Snowy received a Rana Wickrama Padakkama medal for his actions, the first dog to receive such an honour in Sri Lankan military history. He later died on 24 May 2011 while recuperating from the injuries.

Military career
Snowy was born on 2 March 2004 at Ganemulla Commando Regiment Headquarters. Since the reach of 6 months, he was trained and handled by Lance Corporal D.H.P. Sampath, under the supervision of Captain Vimukthi Jayasinghe. Snowy’s first deployment was to the Jaffna Peninsula. In 2006 he was credited with discovering a hidden ammunition dump in Delft and finding an LTTE safe house with weapons in Jaffna University. Snowy also managed to track down the suspects during several bombing attacks in the Jaffna area.

In 2007 he was engaged in the Battle of Thoppigala, helping the Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol (LRRP) units to track down fleeing LTTE units. Snowy also assisted the commandos in a successful ambush at Morawewa. Later, he successfully tracked down an LTTE infiltration unit which attacked the Thalgasmankada military detachment in Yala National Park.

Welioya action and injury
On 14 March 2008 at 3.30 pm, a six man LTTE infiltration unit of the Jeyanthan Brigade (led by “Koulan”), ambushed troops attached to the 5 Battalion of Sri Lanka Light Infantry (5SLLI) in Nikawewa near Welioya. A soldier was injured but troops managed to repulse the attack. During subsequent search operations troops recovered a body of an LTTE cadre. Receiving the news, Sri Lanka army command decided to get the assistance of tracking dogs to locate the remaining LTTE cadres. On 15 March, “Snowy” and “Bonnie”, handled by Lance Corporal D.H.P. Sampath and Lance Corporal G.S. Priyankara, arrived at 223 brigade headquarters in Welioya. They departed with an eight man team from the delta squadron of 2 Sri Lanka Army Special Forces Regiment and another eight man team from 5 Battalion of Sri Lanka Light Infantry. Snowy was leading the search using the scent of recovered objects left behind by the infiltration unit. Two eight man teams were on the flanks with “Bonnie”, the other tracking dog, to the rear. Around 3.45 pm Snowy suddenly charged a bush where an LTTE cadre was hiding. After firing several shots LTTE cadre exploded a grenade injuring both Snowy and his handler. Despite his wounds Snowy continued with his search, but realizing the gravity of the injuries Lance Corporal Priyankara withdrew Snowy to get medical assistance.

Recovery and death
Snowy was first taken to Anuradhapura and later transferred to Veterinary Teaching Hospital at the University of Peradeniya, via ambulance. Around 11 pm he arrived at Peradeniya where a team of surgeons led by Professor Indira Silva was waiting. Eleven pieces of shrapnel were detected in his body damaging the lungs and bowels, and lodged close to his heart. Snowy’s brother “Pet” provided matching blood which transfused to Snowy. Meanwhile, troops from 4th commando unit videotaped Snowy’s handler sending his greetings and wishes to Snowy and dispatched it to Peradeniya Hospital, so that Snowy could hear his master’s voice and see his face. Gradually Snowy's injuries healed, but due to resulting disabilities he never returned to active duty and remained at Ganemulla Commando Regiment Headquarters. Snowy died on 24 May 2011 while recuperating.

Rana Wickrama Padakkama
Snowy received the Rana Wickrama Padakkama for his contributions in battle, the first military dog to receive such an honour in Sri Lanka.

Citation in the Part I Order
This dog, during his period of service after being born in Sri Lanka, performed extremely well, throwing his full weight behind our success in many operations against terrorists and their hideouts. It is equivalent to a national commitment. His diverse services to this Regiment will continue to be remembered among Commandos. His great service for preservation of the country’s territorial integrity with high level of his intelligence, tracking skills and determined pursuing capabilities will continue to reverberate among us.

His death is a great loss to handlers, fellow-tracking teams, Commando Regiment and the Army in general. While highly appreciating his invaluable services for the sake of peace in Sri Lanka, we (4 Commando Regiment) extend our heartfelt condolences on his demise and wish him attain Nirvana.