Page 10 - Chiron 2024

Animals in War Memorial – Remembrance Service
The Animals in War Memorial in London’s Park Lane was officially opened in 2004
by HRH the Princess Royal. The monument is a powerful and moving tribute to all the animals that served, suffered, and died alongside the British, Commonwealth and Allied forces in the wars and conflicts of the 20th century, remembering ‘they had no choice’.
Each year, on the Friday nearest
to Remembrance Sunday, Petplan Charitable Trust organises a service, inviting representatives from animal charities all over the UK to come and pay their respects and give a reading.
Friday 10 November 2023, the Chief Veterinary and Remount Officer Col Mark Morrison VetMB, MA, MSc, MRCVS was invited along to give a small speech and lay a wreath on behalf of the RAVC.
Just before 11am, four members
of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, led by Maj Dan Mcrink RAVC, accompanied by Capt Naomi Thomas RAVC and two riders from HCMR, rode up and took their places at the side of the memorial.
At 11.00 am, all those present
fell silent as one minute’s silence was observed, followed by Major Daniel McRink reading the poem, A Soldier’s Kiss.
Among the guests were the author and passionate animal lover Jilly Cooper CBE, Jenny Seagrove FRSA – actor and founder of equine charity Mane Chance, Sir Derek Jacobi CBE, and Jan McLoughlin, PDSA’s Director General. Wreaths were laid by the following:
America Legion
Animal Welfare Japan Battersea Dogs and Cats Home Birmingham Dogs Home
Blue Cross
Brooke Action for Working Horses and Donkeys
Cats Protection
Dogs Trust
Horse Trust
Irish Terrier Association
Mane Chance Sanctuary
Mayhew
Nowzad
PDSA
Petplan Charitable Trust
Pigeons in War
Royal Air Force
Royal Army Veterinary Corps Royal Kennel Club
Royal Pigeon Racing Association RSPCA
Service Dogs UK
SPANA
Thin Blue Paw Foundation
War Memorials Trust
Welsh Pony and Cob Society World Horse Welfare
8 / Chiron Calling