Page 149 - The History of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps 1962–2021

THE HISTORY OF THE ROYAL ARMY VETERINARY CORPS 1962 – 2021
areas which would otherwise be extremely difficult to clear. Thick dense undergrowth and the steep terrain made the dogs’ scenting ability absolutely invaluable especially knowing that the human eye is rarely reliable or accurate in such an environment. This was a task where the Sweep dog was extremely effective because, even if the quarry decided to make a break and run away the dogs’ superior speed enabled them to quickly make an arrest. Sweep dogs were used for overt patrolling as a deterrent or placed with the Quick Reaction Force (QRF), when they were rushed to a scene of any incident or where the Covert Land Area Sensory System Incorporated (CLASSIC) or Fence Protection System (FPS) provided readings of the illegal immigrants. Normally, a daily detail of eight Sweep dog teams were made available to the frontier. The dogs’ ability to track fresh scent was a talent that probably contributed more to their success than their ability to apprehend. Older tracks, when a hole in the fence or discarded clothing belonging to an escapee, was found, the more proficient Tracker dogs were brought in.
The Tracker dogs were normally stationed at strategic points or with the QRF where they could be deployed quickly, for instance if a silent running BMX bicycle patrol spotted a hole in a fence or shreds of clothing were found on the wire. They were also deployed in coastal areas when a boat landing had been seen and maybe foot prints and cast-off clothing, indicating the presence of illegal immigrants. Tracker dogs were available 24 hours a day for immediate tasking at specific locations. Deploying the Trackers in this way meant that they could cover the whole of the land frontier with a good reaction time. By 1988, Trackers were responsible for 10.2% of the total capture figures by dogs.
When Soldier Magazine interviewed Sgt Andy Pedlar at the border (April 1987) he provided an insight into the team’s daily tasks: “This is where it happens and they never stop trying to get across, but our teams are very good, and being Chinese our handlers are able to question the illegal immigrants in their own language, eye to eye, when caught. Most of those captured are in a state of shock, which is understandable after being threatened by one of our dogs, but they soon pull round.”
Major Tony Rossell went on to say: “We don’t want anyone bitten. That’s not the job at all. Our role is to detect and detain those on the run, and our soldiers, who are all locally employed personnel are part of the HKMSC. It’s hard work
for our men who work an average seventy hours a week. A typical work rota for a section is to start at 0830 and work 26.5 hours, two days later they start again. But these soldiers, who all live at home as no accommodation is provided for them, are strongly motivated. They believe that by capturing and returning the illegal immigrants, which to some extent eases the housing shortage, treatment at hospitals and reduces calls on social services, they are helping their country”.
Lt Col Brian Thompson said: “These soldiers of the HKMSC are loyal, hard-working and first class dog handlers.”19
On 29th April 1987 a party was held at Casino Lines to celebrate the capture, by Sweep and Tracker dogs, of ten thousand illegal immigrants.
During the celebrations, which were attended by a wealth of visitors, Major Tony Rossell briefly spoke about the foundation of the Detachments over which he had, had considerable influence. The Major outlined how the Detachment had grown in strength from the early days of twelve handlers and six dogs working along a fenceless border, to a strength of eighty-six handlers and forty-nine dogs. Many of the handlers had served from the early days as members of the Hong Kong Dog Company and went on to loyally continue
Drawing by Cpl Lo Kai Sang RAVC to celebrate the capture of the 10,000th Illegal Immigrant capture on the 17th April 1987 by the dogs and men of the Border Detachment.
19 Soldier Magazine dated April 1987.
141