Page 143 - The History of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps 1962–2021

THE HISTORY OF THE ROYAL ARMY VETERINARY CORPS 1962 – 2021
personnel being from the HKMSC.9 RAVC trainers at that time were sparse in the RMP Unit and Cpl ‘Dougal’ (Pete) Douglas was one such lucky individual to serve in the Unit at that time.
The sole RAVC Officer in Hong Kong (doubling as DADVRS at HQ British Forces) visited almost daily. Additionally, he had responsibility for overseeing the mules of 414 Pack Transport Troop RCT in the New Territories, and (unofficially of course) oversight of horses at the thriving Saddle Club, also in the New Territories.
For day-to-day conduct of routine duties, training and discipline, the OC was admirably supported by the Unit’s HKMSC Seniors, who were all badged RMP: The Unit had a heavy commitment to duties at sites throughout Hong Kong, Kowloon and the New Territories.
Sadly, a lack of continuity in the Chiron Notes held in our archive has left a small gap in this section of the Hong Kong history and no doubt a number of valuable and interesting anecdotes have been lost too. However, the thinly duplicated Chiron Calling of April 1974 carried a useful list of the current staff and positions: Major John A Tanner RAVC was DAVRS HQLF HK, and the RMP Hong Kong Dog Company’s RAVC personnel were SSgt John Malvern, Sgt Bob Reeves, Cpl’s Pete Douglas and Brian Eldridge, and the 414 Pack Tpt Tp RCT consisted of SSgt Alf Stewart and Sgt T Palmer.
Fortunately, an up-date from April 1975 filled in a few gaps relating to the 25th Anniversary of Pack Tpt at Lo Wu which was celebrated in an article entitled 414 Pack Tpt Troop RCT. At the close of 1975 a report read: “...it was well known that the troop was to disband at the end of the year, and the last few months had been spent preparing stores and equipments for return to Ordnance and the RAVC Training Centre.” Written with great emotion, the feature concluded: “Many members, both serving and retired, will remember the mules with great affection, others with rather less, depending on how often they were bitten or kicked.”
The rumours had, after all, proved to be true and the 414 Pack Troop disbanded prompting Major Geoffrey R Durrant MBE RAVC to write: “After this date the British Army will no longer possess any animal transport capability. However, one presumes it might still be called upon to operate in mountainous terrain and in conditions of poor visibility, or tactical situations which preclude the use of aeroplanes or helicopters.”10
The fate of the mules of 414 Pack Transport Troop of the RCT in Hong Kong created such concern that it warranted a mention in Parliament. Mr Geoffrey Finsberg (Conservative Hampstead) announced that the mule strength was allowed to run down naturally following the decision to disband the Unit. Four of the youngest animals were given to the local Jockey Club to provide riding facilities for physically handicapped children. Alterna- tives for the rest were considered but, sadly, all proved impractical and twenty-three mules were destroyed.11
As one chapter closed, another opened. After several years of patiently waiting for the order of things to return into RAVC hands, the long wait was over.
A Year for the RAVC – 1976
Wednesday 1st September 1976 was a momentous day in the history of the RAVC. On that day, the Hong Kong Dog Coy RMP transferred to the rightful ownership – in the eyes of the Corps – of the Hong Kong Company RAVC.12 The Unit was also administered by HQ Gurkha Field Force in Sek Kong. Whilst many RAVC dog trainers had served alongside the RMP, the Unit was actually commanded by non-dog trainers and by the RMP who had only completed a very short dog course.
The RAVC put-up a strong argument for the return of the Unit to Corps stewardship, based on the fact that the RAVC normally controlled the Dog Units. There was one counter-argument from the RMPs: “Dog handlers as RMP have a greater deterrent value than RAVC soldiers.”
Major Durrant swiftly stepped in to defend the dogs: “The dog, not the man, is the prime deterrent. The sharpness of a dog’s teeth, rather than the design of the handler’s cap badge would be the most likely consideration of the would-be intruder.”13
The changes extended to affect the stalwart and loyal Chinese handlers who also changed their cap badge to the HKMSC or ‘Dragon’. It was a busy time with new postings including both Lt Bill Beldham (noted for his equestrian prowess whilst serving in the ranks) and then WO2 Mick Aylward was posted in as the CSM.
There was a change of location too. The Unit moved from Sham Shui Po, a site occupied by the Army since 1927, to Sek Kong in the New Territories during 1977 – minus one detachment. Previously,
9 The HKMSC were locally recruited and trained Hong Kong Chinese personnel who had the opportunity to pursue a full a career in the British Army, includ- ing the chance to become Commissioned through the ranks. All were British Army Officers or Soldiers.
10 HK 58013 VR dated 21st March 1975.
11 ‘Mentioned in Parliament’ taken from Soldier Magazine dated February 1976.
12 Special Routine Orders Major General R W L McAlister OBE dated 24th May 1976.
13 HK 58007VR dated 3rd April 1975 by Major Geoffrey R Durrant MBE RAVC.
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