Page 276 - The History of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps 1962–2021

THE HISTORY OF THE ROYAL ARMY VETERINARY CORPS 1962 – 2021
of the BAOR DASU RAVC when the RAVC Continental TA Volunteers were formed. He was also Commander Tactical Area of Responsibility (TAOR) in Leicestershire and Commander, Central Volunteers Headquarters (CVHQ), subsequent to his tenure in Germany.
Gaining such staunch support, the BAOR Defence Animal Support Unit RAVC Continental TA Unit was established on 1st September 19855 as part of a pilot scheme. The raising and training of the Continental TA Unit BAOR DASU (V), this TA Unit, together with the regular elements, provided a cornerstone for the planned Transition to War. The liability of the volunteer Unit was thirty-nine soldiers ranging from Pte to SSgt and they had access to over three hundred and fifty Guard dogs existing in the Brigade area. Recruiting was buoyant and there was no shortage of capable contenders anxious to be ‘collared’ to play a leading role in the defence of BAOR. The opportunity to be a part of this Unit was the ideal opportunity for many ex-Service personnel who remained keen to offer the many skills gained in their military career.
According to reports from one BAOR TA Staff Officer at that time: “Manpower was of a very high standard, as so many were ex-Regular soldiers”. Their training commitment was twenty-seven days a year, of which fifteen were completed at an annual camp. The concept of the Continental TA was purely and simply putting Reserves Forward, in case of war, as opposed to having to transport them from the UK, this would enable an early TTW.
The first batch of volunteers included many former soldiers working with the DASU’s Mixed Service Organisation (MSO). The MSO was comprised of hundreds of civilian dog handlers from varying nationalities who handled dogs that were needed to guard numerous KPs in West Germany at that time. The MSO handlers were administered by the RAVC Unit in Sennelager.
The first RAVC TA soldiers of the RAVC underwent their Basic Training at Keogh Barracks near Aldershot from 19th July 1986 until 2nd August 1986. The five recruits – Ptes Crook, Thompson, Buck, Taylor and Mark Harrow – travelled from RAF Gütersloh to RAF Lyneham and back from Lyneham to RAF Brüggen, and all five recruits passed out successfully.6
It is worth saying here that dog handlers of the RAVC Continental TA were closely scrutinised prior to their TA Service to ensure they could fully
commit to the role. Prospective handlers had to complete a two-day introduction package which gave individuals who had little practical military background a chance to experience what Army life demanded, and the benefits the Service offered in return. The first RAVC TA personnel completed training, similar to their latter-day counterparts at North Luffenham. This included weapon handling, map reading, CBRN, (known as NBC in the 1980s), physical training, dog handling and much more. They had presentations surrounding security which, at the time, paid particular attention to the IRA threats in Germany.
The liability of this volunteer Unit was one Officer and thirty-nine soldiers ranking from Pte to SSgt. The two Corps regular PSIs during 1989 were WO2 Dave Holden and Sgt Trev Ball RAVC. Sgt Ball was appointed in preparation for the establishments of a second RAVC TA Unit in the Rear Combat Zone. As mentioned previously, all had access to over three hundred and fifty Guard dogs existing in the Brigade area. The good news for the health of the Unit was that recruiting was strong which enabled it to move from strength to strength to the point that it achieved recognition in BAOR as the most successful Trials Unit.
Any British National in Germany was eligible to join and many recruits were already members of the Civilian Working Group (CWG) dog handlers and, already employed by DASU. It was agreed that on transition to any war, the CWG handlers exchange their civilian uniform for a military uniform and then continue their dog handling duties. Training was accomplished both in Germany and the UK, with TA dog courses held in Sennelager, and TA soldiers being sent to Melton for NCO cadres.
The aim of the cadre was to provide RAVC JNCOs with the individual military and leadership skills they needed for promotion. On the course were four RAVC TA and five regular RAVC JNCOs, who completed a course that included NBC drills, as well as all the usual subjects. The TA students who attended were Mark Harrow, John Whitfield, Martyn Francis, and James Ingram who was awarded the trophy for the Best Foot Drill Teaching Practice (TP). Martyn Francis was nominated the title of Best Student over the entire course. Captain Barrie Gibson BEM RAVC (V) OC BAOR DASU RAVC (V) was understandably delighted and said “I am very pleased that members of the Continental TA have beaten the Regulars in this way. We are all very proud of them.”7
5 Extracts taken from Chiron Calling November 1989.
6 Conversation with Mark Harrow dated 28th January 2021.
7 ‘Continental TA First for BAOR DASU RAVC (V)’ Chiron Calling November 1988.
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