Page 235 - The History of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps 1962–2021

THE HISTORY OF THE ROYAL ARMY VETERINARY CORPS 1962 – 2021
RAVC Support Group, Aldershot where the final arrangements were completed including a series of briefings on First Aid and expedition matters. After over a year of preparing and planning, the realisation dawned that we were about to participate in making a piece of Corps history.
The journey to Nepal was an experience, which will undoubtedly remain with each one of us for life. The cultural difference of a third world country where the living is basic and difficult to comprehend is an education in itself. Two things that stood out above all else – the beauty of the country and the friendliness of its people.
Adventurous training in the Forces is said to have two main elements; an element of risk and that it should be arduous. HIMALAYAN TIGER most certainly fulfilled both. We travelled to and from Nepal on a 20-hour flight, each way, by Bangladeshi Airways. From Kathmandu we enjoyed a 12-hour road journey covering 188 km in a vehicle that was long overdue a trip to the scrap yard, perilously negotiating high valley mountain passes at a very high speed. Finally, on the subject of transport, near the end of the expedition we were subjected to an internal flight out of Lukla.
The plane was a small, fixed-wing aircraft and the airstrip was perched on the side of a high mountain. The runway was made of nothing more than mud and grass, so with the roar of the engine and the judder of the cockpit as we took off, it was better than anything Alton Towers theme park could throw at you. This experience alone fulfilled the adventurous training objectives mentioned above – even before the trek commenced.
We trekked for eighteen days walking, on average, for nine hours with each individual carrying approximately 15-20 kg of essential personal equipment. Trekking through steep, high valley passes, negotiating and crossing fast flowing rivers over suspension-type bridges – some made of steel – while others were simply made of wood and rope. Weather conditions were varied. Down in the lower valley the days were pleasant, mainly clear blue skies with light, sunny conditions. However, as we ascended into higher altitude the weather became much colder with many days spent in low cloud and in damp and wet conditions.
Morale throughout was excellent, with everyone pulling together. After long, hard days trekking, and camping in isolated areas with nightfall at 1900 hrs we kept ourselves amused telling jokes and singing. However, most of the group were normally tucked-up by 2000 hrs. Eating
and drinking were major factors to be taken into account. Luckily, we had excellent Sherpa cooking staff employed by our trekking agency. Although conscientious in their food preparation and cooking methods the food became bland and tiresome. Living under these conditions, at high altitude, for a long duration took its toll on the team. Several endured upset stomachs lasting for several days to weeks and this tended to drain one’s energy.
Some members of the group experienced more serious problems such as the effects of Altitude Mountain Sickness (AMS). In its mild form the symptoms include severe headaches but then there is the more serious High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) or High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE). Two of the team suffered the effects of AMS, one with a mild case the other with the more serious form HACE. Severe cases can be life threatening but with early and correct management by our medics, the problems were minimised.
Our medics were also able to assist others whilst on the trek. Sometimes it was a case of simply treating local children with minor ailments which prevented a more serious event. At other times, such as when a Canadian expedition team member had a severe case of AMS, the quick intervention by our medics – which involved the evacuation of the casualty back down the mountain – undoubtedly prevented his condition becoming worse.
HIMALAYAN TIGER was a major success with eight team members achieving the objective.
Unfortunately, ill health held two back. One reached Dughla an altitude of 4,620m, the other to Gorak Shep at 5,160m. The sight of the Himalayas, especially the view of Everest, is a memory to treasure. The expedition itself was excellent training and an experience of a lifetime. If you ever get the opportunity, give it a bash, you won’t regret it.12
2000s – A New Millennium:
Wildlife poaching in Africa has, over many decades, devastated animal numbers to the point of threatening to deny future generations the joy and privilege of seeing them thriving and free in their natural habitat. The RAVC has made a significant contribution in the role of protector.
The poaching of elephant and rhinoceros for their tusks and horns is a serious environ- mental issue driven by greed and mythical medicinal practices. Kenya has been prone to this exploitation to a great degree over a very long time
12 Chiron Calling dated Winter 1999/2000.
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