Page 39 - Chiron 2024

these are not pristine cellars - they have very poor temporary lighting set up, and it’s pretty filthy - that is where they have to do major operations. And they have a population of just
a fraction of what it was before,” Mr Ogilvie-Graham said.
Performing surgery under war conditions provides a whole host
of challenges. Mr Ogilvie-Graham described the constant barrage of blasts in the background, impacting the surgeries.
“Even as someone with a military background like mine and having been in quite a few operations worldwide, this is the only time I have ever heard anything on this scale.
“It is two major armies really throwing everything they have got at each other. So that is just there on
the horizon. And it is ever-present. And that definitely has an impact,” Mr Ogilvie-Graham said.
During his visits to Ukraine, Mr Ogilvie-Graham found that despite the horrific conditions the surgeons were working under, the high morale of Ukrainians was awe- inspiring.
“One thing that is universal is all the people I deal with, of course there is a sadness to it, and it’s not
a nice situation, but universally the attitude is positive. It is: ‘what can we do to make things better now?’ There is a feeling that they are all in this together - that they have to win this war. And that they have to do everything possible to support their military.
“They get on with life, they know they are doing a good job, and it is
really nice to be around people like that.”
Speaking about the war in Ukraine more broadly, Mr Ogilvie-Graham commented on the warm reception Britons that are helping in Ukraine receive: “Lots of other countries are helping, but the impression I get is that being British gets a smile.”
Warrant Officer Class One
by Andrew Shaw RAVC, Chief Trainer DATR
WO1 Shaw, enlisted into the British Army
in August 2003. After completing basic training at ATR Winchester, he conducted Phase 2 training at the DAC. He was fortunate enough to then stay at the DAC for a further two years, where he had the opportunity to train multiple patrol dogs. Furthermore, he was selected to deploy to the Balkans as Patrol handler for six months.
In 2005 he was assigned to 102 MWDSU Germany where he conducted Operational tours in Afghanistan and Iraq as an AES handler. Additionally, during this time, he qualified as a Class One Dog Trainer, this
is where he was taught the art of detection training. On completion of this assignment, he returned
for a short stint at DAC where he was the
AES Course instructor. Returning to 102
MWDSU in 2008 where he again deployed
on an Operational tour in Afghanistan
as an AES handler. After a strenuous
tour Shaw was selected to represent the
RAVC by attending Exercise LONGLOOK
in Australia where he was attached to
the Royal Australian Air Force for four
months. Here, he worked alongside
both their detection and
protection training centres.
On selection to promotion to Sgt in 2011 he was assigned to Cyprus MWD Sqn, at this point married his wife Sophie and they enjoyed
nearly three years of sunshine, snakes, beaches, and a little bit of skiing. Retuning to Germany for what was the final time, assigned in the role of Troop Sgt
in 105 MWD Sqn. On promotion he returned to the DATR conducting both CTS Troop SSgt roles. His final assignment as a SSgt was to MAB6 as Chief Trainer in 2018. This assignment was the most challenging to date for two reasons, some problematic personalities to work with and the MWD capability requirements, far exceeded anything he had previously been asked to train. That said he was absolutely honoured to have been given the opportunity and he left the training Cell proud of his achievements.
In 2020 he was promoted to WO2 and assumed the role of Squadron Sergeant Major (SSM) of
104 MWD Sqn, 1st MWD Regt. Thereafter, he assumed the role of QMSI MWD, before
his promotion to WO1. On promotion he assumed the role of Chief Trainer at DATR. Within this position, he has embraced
the role to date and looks forward to the opportunities this prestigious role presents.
WO1 Shaw currently lives in Rutland with his wife Sophie, they have two
daughters, Alexa, and Scarlet, along with their two Cocker Spaniels
Fred and Betty. In his spare time, he still thinks he can play football and likes to
hide golf balls in woods and lakes.
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