A true dog of war: Hero RAF dog Buster bow wows out after serving FIVE tours of duty

Air Dog 'Buster' is enjoying a quieter life with RAF Police Sergeant Michael 'Will' Barrow (pictured) in Lincolnshire after braving bombs and bullets over five operational tours of duty

An RAF dog who braved bombs and bullets over five operational tours of duty is retiring a military hero.

Air Dog Buster, a nine-year-old English springer spaniel, has earned a row of campaign medals for his service in in Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan.

The arms and explosives sniffer dog now lives with his handler RAF Police Sergeant Michael 'Will' Barrow, 45, and his wife, Tracy, in Cranwell, Lincolnshire.

But though he will now take a step back from frontline duties, the heroic dog has not turned his back on military life - he is set to become the RAF Police mascot.

In Afghanistan's deadly Helmand province, Buster saved his countless lives by sniffing out explosive vests - leading to the arrests of two suicide bombers.

He joined his comrades repeatedly on foot patrols through the poppy fields hunting Taliban insurgents and tracking down booby trap bombs left behind for British and American troops.

Sergeant Barrow told the Daily Express how, even in the face of enemy attacks, Buster's unflappable composure held solid.

Decorated: Buster, a nine-year-old English springer spaniel, has earned a row of campaign medals for his service in in Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan

'Each time [we were attacked], Buster waited calmly for the action to cease, then carried on his search for improvised explosive devices, and keeping patrols safe,' he said.

Now Buster will spend the rest of his days with the Barrows and their two dogs - another springer spaniel and a German shepherd.

But, like many military men, adapting to life away from the warzone has not proved easy. 

'We had to teach Buster to play with the other dogs,' said Sergeant Barrow. 'When he was a working dog he only got toys when he made a find. And when he came home he collected up all the dogs’ toys and became very protective of them.'

Hero: During action Buster would wait calmly for the action to cease, then carried on his search for improvised explosive devices, and keeping patrols safe. Seven year old Josh Barrie-Marklow gives the spaniel a welcome home hug