Sir,

On the evening of Wednesday, August 7, whilst on holiday at Penally, we were walking our two dogs on the field behind the Army Firing Range. The dogs were excited and happily playing together. For a moment, our attention was taken by the beautiful scenery overlooking the sea. When we next looked at the dogs we noticed that 'Sadie', a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, who is totally deaf, was missing. Despite searching for three hours until it was dark, we were unable to find her. We went out again at first light on Thursday morning and searched for a further two hours without success. Needless to say, my wife and I were extremely distraught as we thought she may have fallen over the cliffs.

We then decided to go to Tenby harbour to see if we could hire someone to take us out in a boat to search the cliffs from the sea. The first person we met was a man they called 'Josh', who we understand was the previous coxswain of the lifeboat. He directed us to Alan Thomas, the present coxswain. Alan immediately telephoned a Wayne Allen, who was known to everyone as 'Harpo'. Within 15 minutes we were sailing towards the cliffs. At the same time the Range Boat went out to make its run along the coast and the men on board agreed to look out for Sadie.

When we arrived at the area of the cliffs where we thought the dog may have fallen, our hearts sank as the cliffs were very steep. We made two runs up and down the area without success. 'Harpo' was very determined to find the dog and insisted on going in very close to the rocks and making a third run.

Miraculously, he spotted Sadie about a third of the way down the cliff lying very still. 'Harpo' immediately contacted the Range Boat by radio and asked them to mark the spot where the dog lay.

The boat then took us back to the harbour at full speed. 'Harpo' then took us back to the field in Penally and he ran up the field as fast as he could. However, he was stopped by a sentry as firing was taking place on the range. Luckily, a senior officer from the army was present who ordered the firing to stop.

Without any thought for their personal safety, 'Harpo' and a young soldier went down this very steep cliff and rescued the dog.

My wife and myself would like to reiterate our grateful thanks to all concerned with the rescue. A very special thanks to 'Harpo' who was truly magnificent.

Mr. and Mrs. W. Broome,

50 Bilbrook Road,

Codsall,

Wolverhampton.