Page 136 - The History of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps 1962–2021

THE HISTORY OF THE ROYAL ARMY VETERINARY CORPS 1962 – 2021
within our MSO dog handling elements; the pitch of voice and gesticulations are, at times, quite incredible!” The success of the Unit was echoed in the number of awards bestowed on its members. Assistant Superintendent Petrovic’s retirement offered an opportunity to acknowledge the first class service that he provided to the British Army of the Rhine in helping guard vital installa- tions. Special mention was also made of Forman Daniluck who was awarded an honorary BEM by the British Ambassador.
Many others over the course of their service were presented with deserving awards such as the MBE and BEM.
The End...
The long and valuable association between the MSO and the RAVC in Germany came to an end on 31st March 1994. Sadly, the reorganisation in BAOR resulted in the removal of the MSO dog handlers from being part of a central command structure under the RAVC and from 1st April 1994 they were devolved to local garrisons and depots. Their supporting Headquarters at Sennelager was disbanded and they stopped wearing the MSO capbadge and RAVC stable belts. This effectively marked the end – not just of the association with the RAVC, but the MSO itself.
The dog handlers had become the last remaining branch of the organisation that had been formed just after the Second World War to support occupying British Military Forces.
A special ceremony was held at DASU Sennelager on 29th March 1994. It was the end of an era – almost fifty years of the MSO providing loyal and dedicated service to the British Army.
The ceremony was not so much a wake as a celebration of a job well done over many decades and recognition of loyal service and long-standing friendships. It was gratifying, therefore, that among the guests who were able to attend were several Superintendents from the early days, when the MSO comprised mainly displaced Officers and soldiers from the armies of Soviet-occupied Eastern Europe. They were joined by serving Superintendents from Pakistan and elsewhere who had become part of the MSO in later years, making the final ceremony a truly international occasion.
The Unit and the MSO were honoured and delighted that a Brigadier from BAOR, later re-named UKSC (G), found time from his busy schedule to unveil the plaque and pay tribute to
the MSO. The Brigadier spoke of the long and valued service that MSO personnel of so many nationalities had given to the British Army and for such a long period. He regretted that the MSO had finally come to an end but knew that existing personnel would continue to be a great asset under changing circumstances.
There are so many examples of our MSO friends whose service exemplified the best in a soldier’s courage and loyalty. They were all unforgettable characters one of whom was Chief Superintendent Eddie Avis who joined the MSO in 1978 following 26 years and 221 days in the Royal Artillery having attained the rank of RSM. He served in Cyprus, the UK, Singapore, Malaya, Borneo, Hong Kong, Northern Ireland and finally BAOR. He learned of the need for Supervisors in the ADTU and prepared for the role by training as a dog handler, rapidly rising through the ranks gaining expertise and absorbing the unique and complex culture of the MSO. As the years passed, Eddie moved up further through the ranks attaining the post of Assistant Superintendent, supporting Captains Andrew Warde and Bill Beldham in creating the MSO Training Wing. Following this he was promoted to Administration Superintendent when the Unit changed its name to BAOR DASU RAVC. Promoted to Chief Superintendent in 1986, in command of D (Delta) Group, which included dog sections as far afield as Schlangen, Detmold, Herford, Bielefeld, Gutersloh, Paderborn and Sennelager. Chief Superintendent Avis also worked alongside eight RAVC COs – Colonels Bishop, Clifford, Morgan-Jones, Forgrave, Durrant, Warde, Roache and Kneale.
Eddie Avis was very much involved in improving standards and bringing about much-needed economies as the British Forces in Germany struggled to adapt and contract at the end of the Cold War. Once, when asked what he considered to be the most important attribute of a serving soldier, he said quite simply “Loyalty”.23 This exemplary old soldier retired in 1994 with the demise of the MSO. His passing on 3rd June 2008, was mourned by many including those who served with him and who would recognise the following words as typical of the man. Chief Superintendent Avis wrote that his experience with the RAVC had “provided far more laughs than groans.”24
More memories of the MSO were fondly captured in Chiron Calling by H J Dobree:
23 ‘A full career: Chief Superintendent Eddie Avis MSO,’ Chiron Calling Winter 1994/5.
24 Chiron Calling ‘Obituary Eddie George Avis’ Winter 2008/Spring 2009.
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