Page 15 - Chiron 2024

all British Army Operations, both peacekeeping and conflicts/war, since 1945; surprising in number
and for many faded memories.
The United Nations peace-keeping Operations in Cyprus (1960s), Indonesian Borneo (1962-1966), Brunei (1962), Malayasia (1963-1966), Aden Emergency (1963-1967), Hong Kong (1962-2021), Dhofar (1970-1975), Malta, Libya, Persian Gulf, Singapore (final withdrawal 1976), Kenya
and East Africa, the “Troubles”
in Northern Ireland (1969-2007), Belize (1985-1994), Balkans - Bosnia/ Croatia and Herzegovina (1992-1995), Kosovo (1998-1999), Iraq (1990 Gulf War 1 and 2003-2011 Gulf War 2), Macedonia (2003) and Afghanistan (2002-2020, 2021). In 2000 over
30% of available Corps personnel deployed on operational duties
in Europe. In addition, the Corps supported civilian authorities, for example, during the UK’s worst foot and mouth epidemic of the 20th Century (1967-1968, 2001). All ranks of the Corps including the Territorial Force provided expert assistance, culling, cleaning up and control, with a consequent emotional and psychological impact on personnel. In 2012 the Corps undertook security operations for the Olympic Games.
One of the surprising elements of the book is the Corp’s continual battle, to prove its value and that of the MWD to the British Army.
Set against the post 1945 demise
of British Empire with rapid withdrawal from its colonies, and financial cutbacks, the Corps found itself in jeopardy with the use of dogs often viewed as gimmickry;
troops, keeping them fully aware
of MWD assets, and how to use them correctly on Operations. A process which contributed to the rejuvenation of the Corps. As the “Troubles” intensified the special, unique capabilities found only in the MWD were recognised, not least of which is the freeing up of Army manpower. Attitudes changed as Guard/Protection and specialist dog teams proved their critical worth
a perception altered, for example, with Operations in Bosnia, Northern Ireland, and Afghanistan. Sadly, as Chris states, “as with most conflicts many of lessons learned from pervious conflicts are all too soon forgotten and
have to be re-
learned the hard
way.” However,
the gradual
recognition of
the value and
Operational
demands for
MWDs placed
unsustainable
strain on the
Corps requiring an increase in resources. A situation which gave birth in 2010 to the formation of
the 1st MWD Regiment (RAVC), the youngest regiment in the British Army.
The MWD was undervalued in the wider Army during the early days
of the Northern Ireland “Troubles,” the longest continuous active operational commitment in the history of British Army. This changed as Corps personnel made themselves accessible to commanders and
defending military
bases and in Operations against escalating terrorist action using Vehicle Search, Arms and Explosive Search and Drug dogs.
MWDs were also used on seaborne patrols in Ulster’s coastal waters. The formation of Army Dog Unit NI (RAVC) gave rise to the distinctive ‘Red Paw’ insignia representing the bloodied feet of search dogs through rubble and glass from bomb attacks.
Operations in Bosnia proved the Corps had a vital expeditionary role to play within the British Army and ensured the Corp’s future. The increasing use and understanding of working dogs on Operations highlighted the need for different
“One of the surprising elements of the book is the Corp’s continual battle, to prove its value and that of the MWD to the British Army”
Chiron Calling / 13