Page 118 - The History of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps 1962–2021

THE HISTORY OF THE ROYAL ARMY VETERINARY CORPS 1962 – 2021
Borough Council plaque.42
Thursday 24th May 2007 was a day of reverence
and recollection as Brigadier Andrew Warde QHVS made his final visit to the Unit before retiring. The Brigadier took the time to present a Long Service and Good Conduct (LSGC) Medal to Sergeant Stuart Rowles and then found himself the centre of attention as he was duly presented with a statuette of a Search dog and handler by the OC, Major Kay Myatt, as a farewell gift. It was by way of a thank you to Brigadier Warde for his long and continued support of 101 MWD Sp Unit and the RAVC during his busy tenure.43
The month of May, that year, proved a busy time for the Unit as members left Aldershot and headed for Caerwent in Wales to assist in an Escape and Evasion Exercise, being conducted for the Royal Marines (RM) Young Officers course. The brief was to try and make it to a safe haven, through dense wood and urban areas without being caught. On their tail were two sections of RM and members of the Special Boat Service (SBS) ably assisted by two Tracker Dogs and two Protection Dogs. Their task was to patrol around the perimeter of the Exercise area to ensure the ‘runners’ knew that the dog teams were in the vicinity and, if possible, try and locate their harbour areas.
Later, the handlers received new orders and were tasked to clear the nearby woods. Within minutes of entering the woods a visual tracker had spotted the presence of a fresh track and one of the dog Tracker teams was quickly on it and closely followed by a Protection dog. After about one hour, the Tracker Dog had led the handlers to four different harbour areas deep in the woods. The dog started to struggle with the track, and it was at this point that it suddenly indicated towards the main road. On investigation the quarry broke cover and was away – the chase started by the Protection Dog handler, Pte Craig Bambro, but unfortunately this time the runners got away.
Other teams had more luck, and many runners were apprehended. Meanwhile, other dog/ handler partnerships were used in the guarding of the captured runners and assisting in their interrogation. The last phase of the Exercise was to assist in a final clearance of the woods where numerous runners were captured. One Tracker Dog picked up the scent in an urban area and successfully tracked, which ultimately led to other young Officers, or runners, who were hiding there. Overall, the Exercise was reported as a big success, and once again RAVC personnel, from the
long history of Aldershot, were still very much a part of the action and proving to the user Units how valuable and powerful MWDs remain.
It was on 17th December 2008 that the Commander of 101 Logistics Brigade, Brigadier A S J Fay, visited the members of 101 MWD Sp Unit and opened the new kennels at Gallwey Road. As is customary, he received a brief on the Unit’s activities and then toured the kennels where he was able to engage with soldiers who were training to deploy on Op HERRICK in the New Year. Brigadier Fay also witnessed Search Dogs training for the forthcoming deployment and toured the Veterinary Clinic before being asked to cut a small ribbon to mark the opening of the kennels, which replaced ones built ten years earlier. The new kennels, with all mod cons, were designed to fulfil the DEFRA criteria for quarantine accommodation for MWDs returning from Operational theatres. They cost in the region of £850,000.44
Pausing to appreciate – Fitzwygram House, Al- dershot
Many of the Corps’ history enthusiasts will recall the home of the AVC, then the RAVC in Aldershot.
Below is an extract from English Heritage who graded Fitzwygram House as a Grade II Listed Building as part of the redevelopment of Aldershot Garrison. The grading ensured the building’s preservation for historic interest, ahead of its major role change. From its roots as a much-respected military establishment, Fitzwygram House was to be converted into luxury apartments. However, as the spiritual home of the AVC/RAVC the mosaic emblem of the AVC in the main entrance hall, was to remain and be preserved by the developers.
This building is listed under the Planning Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas Act 1990 as amended for its special architectural historic interest.
Name
ROYAL ARMY VETERINARY CORPS, LABORATORY, FITZYGRAM HOUSE
List Entry Number; 1393221
Location
ROYAL ARMY VETERINARY CORPS, LABORATORY, FITZWYGRAM HOUSE. GALLWEY ROAD
The building may lie within the boundary of more than one authority.
County: Hampshire
42 Chiron Calling Article ‘101 MWD Sp Unit Presentation’ dated Summer 2007.
43 Chiron Calling Article ‘Escape and Evasion Exercise for RM Young Officers’ Caerwent dated Summer 2007.
44 Chiron Calling Articles ‘Visit of Brigadier Fay to 101 MWD Sp Unit and Opening of New Kennels’ Winter 2008/Spring 2009.
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