Page 156 - The History of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps 1962–2021

THE HISTORY OF THE ROYAL ARMY VETERINARY CORPS 1962 – 2021
robbers threatened him with knife and then ran off. Fortunately, LCpl Ng heard the commotion and gave chase finally bringing the man to the ground where he disarmed him, pinned him down until the Police arrived on the scene. For this brave act LCpl Ng received a Commander British Forces (CBF) Commendation. Once again, such action exemplified the high standards that were so long evident amongst our Hong Kong colleagues.
The Corps Director, Brigadier Paul Jepson QHVS, visited the Unit in March 1996 and presented LSGC medals to several members of the Unit as well as attending a meeting of the LEP Trust of which he was a Committee Member. The Trust was set up to assist Hong Kong Chinese ex-soldiers in case of any financial hardship, including any that had served in the RAVC Units.
At the time of the Director’s visit the Unit was fully operational and remained so until 30th September 1996 when the remaining dogs were live cast to the RHKP, the Correctional Services Department and Dog Power Ltd which was a private security company founded by one of the DASU dog handlers.
The last few months of 1996 were a time of intensive activity, involving all the administration of the closure of the Unit and preparation and rehearsal for the HKMSC Disbandment Parade. Prior to the parade there was a Dinner Night at a restaurant in Kowloon with the Corps Director, and Commandant HKMSC as guests of honour.
On the morning of the parade, it dawned fine and hot and the emotion amongst the troops during their final preparations was almost tangible. The Governor of Hong Kong, the Right Honourable Christopher Patten, the Adjutant General, General Sir Michael Rose KCB CBE QGM and the Commander British Forces Hong Kong, Major General Brian Dutton CBE, stood as the massed troops marched onto parade ground behind the band of the RHKP. It was a moment of great pride for Captain Johnny Irish RAVC, as he had the honour of leading the DASU contingent. After a march past to the regimental marches of each contingent – including ‘A Hunting We Will Go’ for the DASU – the flag of the HKMSC was lowered for the last time and a short service of Remembrance was conducted by the Senior Chaplain.
In the words of Captain Irish: “It was an incredibly moving and fitting tribute to the enthusiasm, dedication and professionalism that
the Hong Kong Chinese soldiers had always shown throughout their service in the British Army.”39
Here the oral testimony of Cpl Wu Chi Wai Poman, encapsulates the spirit and service of the Hong Kong Chinese soldier:
“My name is Cpl Wu Chi Wai Poman; I joined the RAVC from 1981 to 1997 after my recruit training. I then took my first basic dog course to become a dog handler. I stayed in Borneo Lines Sek Kong over my whole Army life. Lucky I joined to be a Kennel Staff and I learned more about dog training and handling.
I had a chance to go to the UK for AES course in 1986 then became an AES dog handler, during that time, I had a chance to work for the Queen and the Royal family when they came to visit Hong Kong, and it was a remarkable experience for me. Also, the first B3 and B2 Dog Trainer course in Hong Kong that allowed me to have many qualifications for work after I left the Army.
Although I had left the Army over 24 years ago, I still work with dogs and earned my living until last year when I retired. I’m so proud to be a British Soldier and be a RAVC member; I’m still trying to serve as a volunteer to help the guys from Hong Kong Ex-soldiers.40
In his personal account SSgt Paul ‘Jock’ Anderson RAVC, shared his account of being the last Chief Trainer to serve with the HK DASU RAVC and recalled the last three British Military Working Dogs to serve in Hong Kong – Drax, Duke and Luther. His testimony – 1995 – 1997: The Final Chapter41 – serves as something of an epitaph to the RAVC in Hong Kong:
“From early 1995 – March 1997, I (SSgt Jock Anderson) had the privilege to be again posted with my wife and baby daughter from ADU NI RAVC to HK DASU RAVC as the very last Chief Trainer. Our unit’s CO was Lt Col Southward OBE LD who was in charge of the HKMSC (also known as Dragon Company, which was based on Stonecutters Island). The HKMSC included our unit, which Lt Col Southward always fully supported. HK DASU consisted of fifty-six personnel, all under the command of the OC, Captain Damien Bush and later Captain Johnny Irish, both outstanding gentlemen and veterinary officers, myself (as Chief Trainer) and there was also a civilian clerk. The great majority of the unit were HKMSC (RAVC cap badged), their highest ranking soldier being WO2 Pang Chi Ming, also known as Joe.
On my arrival the Unit had thirty-two Protection dogs and one Drugs dog. Because of the impending handover of Hong Kong, many of the Protection dogs had been retained despite being very elderly and no
39 Chiron Calling Summer 1997 article ‘The Last Bastion of Empire’ by Captain Johnny Irish RAVC. 40 Oral testimony February 2021 by Ex RAVC Cpl, Mr Wu Chi Wai Poman.
41 The ‘Final Chapter’ dated 22nd March 2021 by Ex RAVC WO2, Mr Paul Anderson.
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