A closer look at Rachael Potter's watercolours to commemorate our four-legged comrades for National Military Working Dogs Day.
At the end of 2025 there were over 200 military working dogs in service with the Australian Defence Force. In honour of National Military Working Dogs Day, 7 June 2026, we are highlighting Rachael Potter’s commemorative series Unsung Heroes – Afghanistan.
Completed in 2013, these watercolours acknowledge the bravery and ultimate sacrifice by these dogs that served alongside Australian troops.
“My eyes are your eyes to watch and protect yours,
My ears are your ears to detect evil minds in the dark,
My nose is your nose to scent the danger of your domain,
And so you may live, my life is also your life.”
Explosive Detection Dog ode.
Unsung heroes
This series of watercolours was loaned to the Memorial, before being acquired for the National Collection in 2015.
They were displayed as part of the dedication ceremony of Melbourne–based artist Ewen Coates’ commemorative sculpture Elevation of the Senses (2015). Coates’ sculpture celebrates the vital role and contribution of Explosive Detection Dogs and their handlers in war.
Explosive Detection Dogs are often rescued from pounds and shelters. They become highly trained canine counterparts that work alongside Australian Defence Force personnel. Their specialised training enables them to work in high-risk situations. Scouting ahead of foot patrols or vehicles, these military working dogs detect danger before the team moves forward.
They have saved countless lives by preventing soldiers from walking into an ambush or detonation zone. Military working dogs also work in other specialised roles including security, combat assault, and therapy.
Rachael Stanford (b. 1995), Reflective and grateful – Explosive Detection Dog (2013, watercolour on paper,)
Reflective and Grateful – Explosive Detection Dog
Framed by a soldier honouring fallen comrades, the explosive detection dog’s poignant expression captures the painful cost of war, yet his eyes hold unwavering clarity and purpose.
Rachael Stanford (b. 1995), Kuga – Combat Assault Dog (2013, watercolour on paper)
Kuga – Combat Assault Dog
In 2011, a Special Air Services Regiment patrol was aiming to locate a Taliban target in Afghanistan’s Oruzgan Province. Combat Assault Dog Kuga and his handler, Sergeant J, were part of this patrol.
Upon landing, Kuga scouted ahead and was met with automatic fire. Kuga pushed forward to apprehend the enemy and, in doing so, sustained five gunshot wounds. Despite his injuries he was able to return to his patrol and was evacuated.
Kuga returned home to Australia but passed away less than a year later, on 24 July 2012, due to his injuries. In 2018, Kuga was posthumously awarded the PDSA Dickin Medal for his heroic actions and bravery that saved his patrol from entering an enemy ambush.
Rachael Stanford (b. 1995), Merlin – Explosive Detection Dog and Merlin #2 – Explosive Detection Dog (2013, watercolour on paper)
Merlin #2 – Explosive Detection Dog
Merlin was a four-year-old blue heeler cross and veteran of three operations. He had previously provided support to the 2006 Commonwealth Games and operations in Timor–Leste.
In 2007 Merlin served with a Reconstruction Task Force (RTF) as a specially trained explosive detection dog in Afghanistan’s Oruzgan Province.
On 31 August 2007, Merlin was accidentally killed in a vehicle incident whilst on active service. Merlin held the official rank of Sapper and was farewelled and laid to rest by his RTF and Chaplain Captain Craig Potter.
Razz – Explosive Detection Dog
Razz was an explosive detection dog serving with the Special Operations Task Group in Afghanistan.
On 21 September 2007, Razz detected a large roadside bomb and was killed in action when the bomb was detonated moments before the task group moved in. Razz was posthumously awarded her medals which were received by her handler Lance Corporal Craig Turnbull.
Rachael Stanford (b. 1995), Razz – Explosive Detection Dog (2013, watercolour on paper)
Informal portrait of Explosive Detection Dog, Razz resting between tasks during a training activity. P07697.004
Rachael Stanford (b. 1995), Nova – Explosive Detection Dog (2013, watercolour on paper)
Nova – Explosive Detection Dog
Nova was an explosive detection dog serving with Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force 2 in Afghanistan and was accidentally killed by a military vehicle during a training exercise on 23 October 2009.
Nova was farewelled when her coffin was loaded onboard a Royal Australian Air Force cargo aeroplane for the flight back home to Australia.
Rachael Stanford (b. 1995), Devil – Combat Assault Dog (2013, watercolour on paper)
Devil – Combat Assault Dog
Combat Assault Dog, Devil, first deployed to Afghanistan with a Special Operations Tactical Group in 2011 and then again in 2012.
On numerous occasions Devil apprehended insurgents and provided early warning of enemy locations. On 2 July 2012, Devil again provided early detection of an enemy position and bravely apprehended an armed insurgent, alerting the Australians of the enemy’s exact position. During this encounter, Devil was engaged by the insurgents and was killed.
Devil was awarded the Canine Operational Service Medal with Afghanistan clasp, and the Canine Service Medal.
Sarbi – Explosive Detection Dog
Sarbi was an Army Explosive Detection Dog that spent almost 14 months missing in action in Afghanistan having disappeared during an ambush in September 2008.
Sarbi was later found by an American soldier, and was reunited with Australian forces, pending her repatriation to Australia.
In April 2011 Sarbi was awarded an RSPCA Purple Cross Award at the Australian War Memorial, recognising the deeds of animals that have shown outstanding service to humans and exceptional courage in risking their own life to save a person. In March 2015, Sarbi passed away after a short battle with Cancer.
Rachael Stanford (b. 1995), Sarbi – Explosive Detection Dog (2013, watercolour on paper)
Sarbi, the Explosive Detection Dog. AWM2016.427.6
Rachael Stanford (b. 1995), Herbie – Explosive Detection Dog (2013, watercolour on paper)
Herbie – Explosive Detection Dog
Herbie and his handler Sapper Darren James Smith, 2nd Combat Engineer Regiment, served in Afghanistan with Mentoring Task Force 1 in 2010. During their short time together, Darren and Herbie formed a special relationship.
On 7 June 2010, just three months into their deployment, Herbie and Darren, along with Sapper Jacob Moerland, were killed by an improvised explosive device during a routine foot patrol in the Mirabed Valley.
Darren was commemorated at the Australian War Memorial’s Last Post Ceremony on 8 October 2015, where a photograph of Darren and Herbie together on active service was displayed.
Informal outdoor portrait of Sapper (Spr) Darren "Smithy" Smith and Spr Jacob "Snowy" Moerland, 2nd Combat Engineer Regiment with the Explosive Detection Dog Herbie.
Rachael recently reflected on her work:
The work seeks to acknowledge the often-overlooked contribution of these animals, whose courage, loyalty, and highly specialised skills helped protect service men and women operating in dangerous and unpredictable environments.
This series was shaped by a personal connection, with my father who served as the Chaplain of RFT2 in Afghanistan in 2007. Dad buried 'Merlin' one of the depicted dogs killed in action. His experience and the stories he shared, provided a profound insight into the bond between military personnel and their canine companions, revealing both the trust forged in active service and the lasting impact of their loss.
At its core, Unsung Heroes is an act of remembrance. It acknowledges their service and pays tribute to the lives they helped save. At the same time, it reflects on the personal stories, relationships, and sacrifices that exist behind every conflict.
Through these works, I hope to encourage viewers to consider that war is more than a cost to just the human beings, indeed, all creation suffers because of it. We pause to recognise the invaluable contribution of those who served on four legs alongside those who served on two, and give our thanks.
About the artist
Rachael is a contemporary watercolour artist whose practice focuses primarily on animal portraiture, with a particular passion for capturing the character and spirit of dogs. Inspired by techniques introduced during lessons with acclaimed Australian watercolour artist Cherry Hood, Rachael developed an appreciation for the expressive possibilities of the medium which continues to inform her practice today.
Her distinctive style balances loose, atmospheric washes with carefully rendered detail, embracing the fluid and often unpredictable nature of watercolour. Allowing pigment and water to interact organically across the paper, she uses negative space, transparent layers, and a focus on the eyes as an emotional centre point to create a sense of connection between the viewer and the subject. Her work celebrates the individuality of animals while embracing the spontaneity and expressive qualities inherent to watercolour, resulting in paintings that evoke both personality and presence.
