Page 6 - RAVC Book Launch

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The RA
The History of
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Whether the reader is interested in the correct use of Military Working Animals, or not, it is these personal accounts that bring the narrative to life and transport the reader into the boots of an RAVC soldier.
This edition of the RAVC History serves as an up-to-date and comprehensive guide to what the RAVC has delivered by way of much needed capabilities in the recent past and how it is preparing to meet future require- ments and demands. Despite technological advance, and technology being as good as it can be, there is nothing more reliable than a highly-trained military working dog handled
erinary
fessional RAVC
for by the Corps’ Veterinary Officers and Veterinary Nurses.
VC is still
but to a wider defence in the 21st century, it brings a premier capability. All those who have servTed in and contributed to the RAVC’s tremendous success can take immense pride in what they have collectively achieved from
soldier and c
a relatively sm
all Corps
ared
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2 – 2021
1962 to date. his latest, ‘official’ historical record celebrates the RAVC’s achievements, much of it forged on operations and
RA VC History 2022 DUST COVER.indd 1
numerous other events during 1962-
2021. “Through the grimness of combat
and the monotony of long campaigns”, quotes, detailed personal accounts, and anecdotes bring this modern record to life, vividly proving the RAVC’s long standing contribution to Defence.
The A4 hardback consisting of 554 pages, with wide and varied research consists of 30 very different chapters outlining the involvement of our unique Corps during conflicts such as, Malaya, Dhofar, Aden, the Troubles in Northern Ireland, the Balkans, Iraq and Afghanistan. All too often with the passing of time, memories and the sacrifices of those made during conflicts are often forgotten along with valuable lessons so often learned in Conflict. This heritage endeavours to address this balance amongst other aspects of the Corps history during this defining period.
Comprehensive narratives of the RAVC’s units in their own separate chapters; encapsulates the RAVC story while based at Aldershot, Germany, Cyprus, Hong Kong, and of course our home, at Remount Barracks in Melton Mowbray, the location of our very important training base or the Defence Animal Training Regiment where today Military Working Animals and their handlers are trained and well looked after by our veterinary staff, the dog trainers, instructors, farriers and all the very busy civilian staff.
Other segments of the reading include the triumphs of the Mixed Service Organisation a huge entity of the RAVC in Germany during the Cold War
Those who have served with the RAVC, or at their side, will welcome this overdue record of their exploits and campaigns which has been written by a long standing RAVC Officer whose passion for the Corps was established in his time served with the rank and file.
Those who may not have served in the conflict zones or those who want to serve in the Corps should not fail to read this book. It is recommended particularly to all parents who perhaps from time to time wonder what their sons and daughters have participated in or what they do as Officers or Soldiers whilst serving their Queen and Country within the British Army.
Front cover image: Private Alice Clayton and VS dog Tina from 1MWD Regt
(102 MWD Sqn).
Back cover image: Med Sgt Derek ‘Bull’ Thorneycroft grooming his tracker dog Rebel at 3 WDTU Dhekelia. ‘Bull’ went ont be the Chief Trainer at ADTS before retiring from the RAVC in the late 70s.
The History of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps 1962 – 2021.
Author:
Lieutenant Colonel C Ham MBE RAVC. Foreword:
Lieutenant General Roly Walker DSO. Copyright © Lieutenant Colonel C Ham MBE RAVC 2022.
All rights reserved.
ISBN 978-1-7397152-0-5
Published by Crest Publications. www.crestpublications.com
The History of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps 1962 – 2021
Lieutenant Colonel C Ham MBE RAVC
THE HISTORY OF THE ROYAL ARMY VETERINARY CORPS 1962 – 2021