Page 308 - The History of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps 1962–2021

THE HISTORY OF THE ROYAL ARMY VETERINARY CORPS 1962 – 2021
London for Singapore on 17th July 1962, but it took off leaving three of the dogs behind! Plenty of comments were made about a certain Australian pilot, but there was no harm done. After spending 48 hours with the RSPCA, they left on the next flight out. However, chaos lay ahead.
When the ‘plane touched down at Karachi, and the baggage doors opened, the ground crew were faced with two huge Alsatian dogs who had literally chewed their way out of the kennels!! No doubt in a hail of expletives (no one can blame them), the crew slammed the doors shut – but it was too late to stop one of the dogs escaping and making a dash for downtown Karachi. Meanwhile, the two remaining dogs refused to allow anyone to enter the baggage compartment to unload. Left without a choice, the ‘plane took off for Singapore with the loose dogs rampaging amongst the baggage and mail. I’m sure someone out there will recall what happened next?
When it comes to the more unusual and unpre- dictable recruits, the WDTS probably had one of the most noticeable: “Lu Lu” a cade lamb that was often seen walking and grazing amongst, or close to, the dogs. The idea was to familiarise the dogs with the scent and sight of sheep. This was at a time when regular dog handlers’ courses were taking an average of twelve students every fourteen days.
Of all the courses held at the School, Dog Handler Course No 16/42 was milestone in the School’s history – it was the first course held for the WRAC. Selecting a suitable RAVC Dog Trainer/ Instructor for this course was difficult because, the obvious thought was that it had to be a man with poise, dignity, charm, impeccable manners and a pleasing personality. All dog men who fitted this description were serving in the FARELF (Far East Land Forces) or NEARLF (Near East Land Forces): Sgt Tony Kennedy was selected for the task.
Remount Depot:
Remount Depot reported: 1962
“Thank you, Mr Editor, for your kindness, as in the last issue the dogs did follow the horses after all – quite right too!”
It was also in the middle of another remounting season...
The late summer and early autumn are the periods of the year when the major issues of remounts are undertaken for the bigger units. The King’s Troop came up to view horses selected for them for this year and in September the Household Cavalry visited the Depot for their autumn sales. This was a busy period as horses were brought in
from the grass, into stables where they are cleaned up, trimmed and, where necessary, activated prior to issue.
The Cavalry generally required about forty horses. During the month of May, a big batch of remounts arrived from Ireland one Saturday evening, and even though it was the weekend, all hands turned out to collect the animals. Even Dog Trainers and Clerks were pressed into service. The horses were taken of the train and put in the stables in record time. Saddler SSgt McRobbie held the fort as the first party of block leave was underway. In June he took part in the RAVC display at Aldershot, ‘Army of the 60s’ display and his example of the work of military saddlers was greatly admired.
Working with the horses and watching good horsemanship is a pleasure for the Service and the public.
The Equitation School outlined they had fun teaching tent pegging to Saddle Club students and the tent pegging competition at the Leicester Show was thoroughly enjoyed by all spectators. It was also reported some of the WRAC were due riding instruction, although some didn’t need it as much as others: “The WRAC officer was receiving encouragement from the 2IC just now and it was thought she has more riding experience than we were led to believe was the case!” And this was not a one-off, although it appears that only the most notable of many sporting achievements made it to get a mention in the Corps’ Journal. One special mention, from 1962, went to Cpl Jim Crawford who continued to fly the flag with a very successful season’s show jumping which was recognised at the Royal Tournament when the Prime Minster, Harold Macmillan, presented him with a trophy.
The move to new premises didn’t go too smoothly for the School of Farriery and when the first fires were lit, the farriers fled screaming from the choking atmosphere of coke fumes! Contrary to various opinions, the bloodshot eyes and ‘thick heads’ were caused by carbon monoxide and the lack of ventilation. An array of colourful curses were directed at those responsible but after knocking a few holes in the walls and the roof, the air was much sweeter and everyone could work in comfort.
That wasn’t the only problem area around the horses. According to ancient custom, on Saturday mornings, the Burma teak shoeing floor was washed down, but one Monday morning the floor had risen into a series of, what were described as ‘small hillocks’ which made the ex-Pack members of the staff feel very much at home. The horses
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