Page 38 - Chiron Autumn/Winter 2023

The History of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps 1962–2021
This latest historical record celebrates the Royal Army Veterinary Corps (RAVC) achievements, much of it forged
on operations and 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, with wide and varied research consists of many different chapters outlining the involvement of this unique Corps during conflicts such as, Malaya, Dhofar, Aden, the Troubles in Northern Ireland, the Balkans, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
Comprehensive narratives of the RAVC’s units in their own separate chapters; encapsulate the RAVC story whilst based at Aldershot, Germany, Cyprus, Hong Kong, North Luffenham and of course the RAVC’s home at Remount Barracks, Melton Mowbray, the location of its very important training base or the Defence Animal Training Regiment where today Miliary Working Animals and their handlers are trained.
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 era, the inception of RAVC TA and Reserves, the Women of the WRAC and RAVC, who have played an immense part in the Corps history, Pack Animal Transport
Past and Present, ceremonial or ‘Warrior Horses’, Technical matters, the RAVC’s Wider Integration in Defence are among some of the other aspects which may provide a better insight, or understanding of what the RAVC delivers today. The manuscript outlines the formation of one of the youngest Regiments in the British Army today, 1st Military Working Dog Regiment (RAVC) which provides veterinary support
and Military Working Dog Teams for military operations worldwide.
This latest edition with 554 pages, 30 chapters, and many interesting photographs and graphics, sources of evidence taken from documents, interviews and other articles makes a varied read. This verified account is a must read for anyone interested in the proven benefit of the British Army’s Military Working Animals. In an ever-changing hi-tech world Military Working Dogs (MWDs) are relatively inexpensive, extremely adaptable and are an unrivalled constant on operations. MWD teams will undoubtedly continue to save life and limb in future conflicts.
“Many lives were saved thanks
to MWDs, allowing UK capacity [in Afghanistan] to increase and improve freedom of manoeuvre. Today the MWD is an unrivalled component in counter IED operations.” Brigadier (Retd) Gareth Collett CBE.
“To the uninitiated, the idea of animals in modern warfare is a strange one. What place do they have in this era of increasingly lethal military-technological development, hypersonic missiles, and
cyberspace? This history shows that animal capabilities continue to be a cornerstone to operations in almost every environment.” Lieutenant General Sir Roly Walker KCB DSO.
The History of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps 1962-2021 by Lieutenant Colonel Chris Ham MBE RAVC published by Crest Publications is now available from the RAVC Regimental Secretary Kristy.mccomiskie297@mod.gov.uk
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