Page 236 - The History of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps 1962–2021

THE HISTORY OF THE ROYAL ARMY VETERINARY CORPS 1962 – 2021
so welcomed the RAVC’s intervention to assist in combating the persistent efforts of poachers. In 1999 Staff Sergeant Roger Tredwell, accompanied by Sergeant Ron Shergold, trained Tracker dogs to track the poachers and Search dogs to locate ivory for the Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS).13
In the Autumn of 2000 Ron Shergold, accompanied by LCpl Chris Rickards, under the auspices of Operation IMODIUM, were tasked to set-up a dog training school at the KWS Training Institute at Naivasha.
The pair took four dogs, two from the KWS and two from the Lewa Downs Game Conservancy and teamed-up to train local handlers. There were only two kennels at Naivasha as it was thought that the dogs could share their accommodation. However, after three weeks, the dogs were housed in air portable kennels, and chained during the day. The potential handlers had no experience with dogs, but they quickly grasped the theory and the practical elements of the discipline. Practical training included the dogs and handlers tracking through the bush surrounded by an abundance of wildlife, all of which was potentially distracting for the dogs. Thankfully, the high quality of the dogs, handlers and their trainers meant that all maintained the necessary focus to do their job effectively.
Both Shergold and Rickards left Naivasha to inspect the dogs and teams at Lewa Downs Game Conservancy, originally established by Roger Tredwell several years earlier. They were impressed with what they found commenting that: “...the dogs were impressive and completed some arduous tracks in difficult terrain and weather – it was very hot.” But there were some ‘hairy’ moments to add to the report too, such as being charged by a bull elephant. And there was the everyday amusement of sharing their toilet with baboons and vervet monkeys.14
Kenya was also the location of Exercise SHARP POINT, an annual medical exercise conducted in Northern Kenya. In 2000, it was conducted under the auspices of 4 General Support (GS) Medical Regiment from 31st March to 10th May. The purpose was to conduct a live medical exercise over extended lines of communications. The veterinary team comprised Captain Bev Tunley and Lance Corporal Linda Brawley and their task was to provide veterinary support in the form of
animal and public health education and treatment. To achieve this, the team undertook an inspection on the KWS Tracker dogs at Lewa Downs Wildlife Conservancy. They also travelled extensively visiting Archers Post, Wamba, Busia, Malka Galla, and Korobesa. Overall, on Ex SHARP POINT, the team treated one hundred and forty-eight animals including cattle, camels, dogs, chickens etc, encoun- tering mostly common problems such as worms, upper respiratory tract infections and peripartu-
rient problems (issues that may surround birth). The Corps team recorded several positive results; Firstly, they were able to practice veterinary medicine in trying conditions without the benefit of laboratory facilities and limited pharmaceutical supplies. Secondly, there were the multiple benefits of logistical support, forming strong working relationships – all of this gleaned by working alongside the medical squadron as
part of the wider Army Medical Services.15
During September 2000, MOD (AV&RS) requested RAVC support for the KOTA MAMA Project which was to take place during May/June 2001.
One VO was to be selected. It had to be someone who was confident dealing with mules – selection and care of pack equines – that was the primary reason for the VO going along. But the individual also had to be very fit to travel on foot in jungle conditions at altitudes of 3,500 – 5,000 feet, be a good swimmer and able to speak Spanish by May 2001. DAVRS wanted junior officers to apply, and this included the TA.16 Records show that, in a slightly later letter, there’s a suggestion that RAVC VTs could also apply for the expedition to accompany the VO.
And so it was that in May 2001 the KOTA MAMA project got underway with two members of the RAVC veterinary staff forming an integral part of the team. The following article from Chiron Calling, in summer 2001, paints a vivid picture of modern soldiers re-tracing the steps of ancient South American explorers.
KOTA MAMA III Expedition 2001
In May 2001, 30 brave explorers set forth on a voyage of discovery to a far-off land. Amongst their number were RAVC Veterinary Officer Captain Katie Gledhill and RAVC dog trainer LCpl Vanessa Hamilton. These plucky individuals had volunteered for the Kota Mama expedition in Bolivia, which was to take them high into
13 Chiron Calling dated Summer 2000.
14 Chiron Calling, Winter 2000/01, ‘Exercise Imodium’ by Sgt Ron Shergold RAVC.
15 ‘Exercise Sharp Point’ by Captain Beverley Tunley RAVC, Chiron Calling Winter 2000/01.
16 D/DAVRS/5/9 dated 22nd September 2000.
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