Page 300 - The History of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps 1962–2021

THE HISTORY OF THE ROYAL ARMY VETERINARY CORPS 1962 – 2021
“volunteer” to sub their duty on Part Ones. The Fire Piquet exercising the drills until the hose was reeled out in timely fashion to the satisfaction of the Orderly Officer. The “Canteen Cowboy”, the duty NCO tasked with closing the NAAFI and clearing it of personnel reluctant to surrender to his authority.
The coming of the girls – the WRAC and the conversion of C Block to a ‘ladies’ boudoir’ and the challenge to breach its sanctity. Many accepted the challenge and some were caught but all survived the ordeal and for some marriage was the ultimate prize!
Corps functions in the Old Forge and Amenities Centre linked by tentage, the Accommodation Stores plundered to transform the whole into a wonderful ballroom, lounge, and bar capable of embracing the multitude and pleasuring them all until dawn and breakfast in the Mess.
Smart dress uniform and pass the Guardroom scrutiny before being allowed off camp to do the town. Sneaking back in after “Lights Out” hoping not to have been missed on an Orderly Officer bed check. Reveilles at 0600 hrs and onto the square for roll call. “All present and correct, Sir!” hoping the Orderly Officer was eager for breakfast and did not seek to check on the accuracy of your statement. Greatcoats over pyjamas removed and, for some, back into the sack for a few more minutes of rest. For others morning chores – clean up this, clear up that and polish the rest. Then the bed pack to make up and square off, a quick trip to the ablutions and if you were lucky a little time for breakfast before it was 0730 hrs and the morning muster. “Git-on parade!” The Orderly Officer’s inspection, RSM’s announcements, fall-out the sick, lame and weary and, for the rest, march off to work stations. Those were days when there were troops to muster and manpower to deploy to unit tasks and the RSM needed a SNCO “runner” to assist him in his administration of the unit. Many hands made light work of most tasks and teamwork prevailed since no one was stood down till it was all done.
Yes, I for one saw the ghosts of the past whenever I walked the “Top Camp”. Basically unchanged throughout the Corps occupation it was familiar, it was safe, it was home. But it is gone now and a chapter in the history of the RAVC has closed. The RAVC home for the now past fifty-six years is no more and a new home is now occupied some 1,000 yards west, nestling betwixt the Veterinary Hospital and the Equine Division. New memories are yet to be born, new ghosts to appear. Let those of the “Top Camp” now rest in peace but be treasured in the memory of those who recognise just what an outstanding servant the “Top Camp” was to the Royal Army Veterinary Corps even though its very structure was for so long the cause of so
32 Chiron Calling Winter 2001/02, ‘A Fond Farwell.’
33 Chiron Calling Winter 2001/02, ‘Last one out lock the gate.’
much uncertainty, study and deliberation on its future. Memories are made of this.32
“Last one out...”
Friday 25th January 2002 was a date that would long remain in the memory of Lieutenant Colonel Phil C Hobson MBE BEM. It was his last day of active service and it was also the last day of the Corps’ occupation of Welby Lane Camp, the “Top Camp”. A very poignant day for Lt Col Hobson who having served the Corps for 35 years, had long awaited the promised “Melton Rebuild.”
At least he was to witness the reality, if not have the opportunity to occupy the new accom- modation. As for many old sweats, however, his thoughts on that final day were more with the memories of the past and his personal long and happy association with the “Top Camp”, that he had entered all those years ago as a private soldier. Some of the very personal memories mingled well with those of comrades and events which he had been associated over those years in various capacities and a number of Melton tours.
So, it was very fitting indeed that the lowering of the Unit flag for the last time in the “Top Camp” should fall to Lieutenant Colonel Phil Hobson. As Second-in-Command and ex-Quartermaster, who during his time did so much to keep the old camp together and habitable. It also fell to him to close the gates and lock up.
For the first time in over 60 years the “Top Camp” was to be totally vacated with no one on site to protect it. It really was a case of “Last one out, close and lock the gate”, because the next to unlock them would be the demolition squad preparing the way for a housing development. For Phil Hobson that was a very special day with a very special duty.33
They’re going to knock the barracks down They’re going to rebuild
It seems the place will be very grand When the project is fulfilled.
The wooden huts will be replaced To forgo their state.
They might have done in years gone But now they’re out of date.
Yet many will look back on them With a fond memory
And still talk of the time they spent In blocks A or B or C.
292