It usually requires literary writing and thematic depth to make me fall in love with a book, but dammit if I'm not just a sentimental sod at times. In War Dog, Damien Lewis (not the actor) tells the true story of Antis, an orphaned German Shepherd puppy rescued by a Czech airman in no-man's-land, and their adventures together over the course of World War Two. It is remarkable, with Ant providing constant companionship to his master, Robert Bozděch, in the most difficult of times, whilst also warning of approaching air raids, sniffing out survivors of bombed-out houses, performing steadfast vigils on the airbase whilst waiting for his master to return from missions, and, after sneaking on board for one bombing mission over Bremen, being fitted with his own doggie oxygen mask so he could accompany Bozděch for his entire tour of duty, taking shrapnel wounds in the process.

Cuddly dog stories and hellish war stories might seem unlikely bedfellows, but it turns out they go together like strawberries and cream. Lewis' writing is unobtrusive and accessible, providing a real thrill and danger when narrating the war story, but also milking all the heartwarming goo out of the friendship without condescending to mawkishness. It is almost impossible not to find something catch in your throat, or find someone cutting onions in the room, as Antis' unwavering loyalty, courage and bond with his master is displayed time and time again. Particularly in light of the recent al-Baghdadi operation, when the hero dog Conan chased after the suicide-vest-wearing Isis leader, Lewis' book is a reminder that war dogs are the goodest of boys, and we are not worthy of them. ( )

An incredible story of a dog's devotion to his Czech air force rescuer who found him after he was shot down over occupied France. Unbelievably the dog, Antis, flew on subsequent bombing missions with his master once in England. ( )