Page 173 - The History of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps 1962–2021

THE HISTORY OF THE ROYAL ARMY VETERINARY CORPS 1962 – 2021
involved taking part in the very wet and muddy Royal Highland Show. It was not the best circum- stances in which to show off the horses and guns to their best advantage, but it was a good chance for many to reminiscence and declare: “just like the Somme,” and “When I was a lead driver in 1916...” The mud was never going to stop the Troop’s march to Glasgow via Lanark, where an enjoyable 48 hours were spent resting, cleaning, and drying out. The 60-mile march was a healthy stretch of legs for the horses and Glasgow’s fine weather put a spring in everyone’s step.
It was non-stop activity right up to September when during the first week, all three sections disappeared to three out of the four major points of the compass for Section Camps. Owing to the distances and terrain it was necessary to deploy RAVC personnel in their capacity of dressers. Once again, the Troop entered for the Show in Okehampton, Devon, where they camped in the Battle School, 1000 feet above sea level.
The 1967 season started with the gallop past and Administrative Inspection, in late March, on which the VO rode with the Major General’s Inspection Party. Two Salutes followed and the Review by Her Majesty The Queen on 10th May 1967.
This was an historic occasion since it was almost a century since Queen Victoria had reviewed the Household Brigade on a State visit by the Shah of Persia. It was also believed to be a rare occasion in that a singular small unit, the Troop, was reviewed. The day rose to the occasion – the sun, the setting, and the horses – both of The Kings Troop and the Household Cavalry Regiment looked on top form. It was understood there were two hundred and twenty-six horses on parade which created an impressive display. It prompted many of the military personnel present to wonder – how long would such a number of military horses be present on such occasions?
The Troop was to soon embark on a succession of major and minor shows before the Royal tournament in July. And then, they flew fifty-three horses to Canada to take part in the World Horse Spectacular which was staged in September as part of EXPO 67.18
As the decade reached its close, the KT RHA (RAVC Detachment) reported to Combermere Barracks in Windsor while the old barracks at St John’s Wood received a facelift. Named after Field Marshal Lord Combermere, the barracks, set in
18 The Journal of The Royal Army Veterinary Corps Volume 38 No 1 Summer 1967.
19 The Journal of The Royal Army Veterinary Corps Volume 40 Summer 1969.
over twenty acres, included a riding school which was built in 1881 (and renovated in 2006) were the home of the Household Cavalry Regiment, and housed horses and a pharmacy. It was forecast that the rebuild would take two to three years and in that period the men commuted back and forth from London. The VO and Veterinary Sergeant were assigned accommodation in Windsor. The move necessitated Troop activities be kept to a minimum but horses and baggage were moved to Windsor twice during 1969: first for the Italian Premier’s visit and then for the Royal Windsor Horse Show. Later, before signing off for the year, The Troop performed in pretty heavy going at Tidworth Tattoo.19
First Trooping the Colour for the KT RHA – 1998
It was said that it was on the specific request of HRH Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, that The Troop, for the first time in its fifty-one-year history, took part in the Trooping the Colour on Horse Guards Parade on Saturday 13th June 1998. History was made as the Commanding Officer, Major Keith Brooks RHA, led the six-gun teams onto the parade ground. Although The Troop had always been associated with the Sovereign’s official birthday parade in its official role – its guns firing the salute – its presence was at a distance in Green Park. On this very special occasion The Troop lived-up to all expectations giving an outstanding display of their disciplined equestrian skills, precision and immaculate turn out. Those who witnessed the Trooping the Colour that year as guests, or on television, were left in no doubt as to why the KT RHA is one of the major tourist attractions in the UK.
The “Gun Team Display” seen every year at the Royal Tournament and at display grounds around the country, indeed the world, is unique. Controlling six horses pulling one field gun with a linked ammunition limber behind at the gallop and without brakes, would be risky enough. But to put six gun teams, in an arena only the size of a football pitch to perform a display of supreme control and precision often approaching each other head on, all at the gallop would seem suicidal. In military terms, however, it is an outstanding example of the achievement of excellence through thorough training on preparation and the courage that results when men and horse have respect for the capabilities of the other.
In the winter 1998/9 issue of Chiron Calling, the Corps published its congratulations to our friends
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