Page 313 - The History of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps 1962–2021

THE HISTORY OF THE ROYAL ARMY VETERINARY CORPS 1962 – 2021
much an overview of WDTS determination to attract attention to the Corps’ activities and the skills of each dog and handler. It also reflects the resilience and adaptability of the RAVC and WRAC personnel:
War Dog Display Team 1965
By Captain A Gordon Willder MRCVS DTVM (Edin), RAVC.
During the latter part of 1964, whilst still in Malaya, my posting to the Dog Training School at the Depot reached me. In a letter from Captain Bill Berridge, I was told the School was already committed to providing a Display Team which was engaged to perform at Tattoos during the summer of 1965. The fact registered, but serious thought was deferred until my return to the UK. I must admit that the words “Display Team” constantly flashed through my mind during those latter weeks of my Far East Tour, despite escorting mules to Hong Kong and training the Parachute Regiment’s Tracker team.
In April 1965, I met Colonel Gordon Young for the first time and realised, at once, that the team had a heavy responsibility. Its task was to show that the Army, as well as the RAF, used dogs. The rival ‘firm’ were already well established in the public eye by their appearances at the Royal Tournament, Edinburgh Tattoo and many other displays. Television had helped to show their prowess throughout the length and breadth of the country.
Early in May, when I reported for duty, I found that much of the spade work had already been done. In addition to Colonel Gordon Young, Captain Bill Berridge, Captain Howard Carter and Captain Brian Forgrave, all had taken a hand at some stage. A pool of men, women and dogs was in being. They had been kitted out and photographed. The props were under construction by our friends at Old Dalby and a 15 – 20 minute programme rehearsed.
The major fixtures were at Belfast, Birmingham and Liverpool during August and September. We hoped to gain experience and polish by participating in less spectacular engagements. These were a Youth Rally at York, Countesthorpe Gala, and a WVS Fete which was held on Lord Gretton’s Estate at Stapleford Park. During these preliminary days, the Tattoo organiser bombarded the Unit with requests of one sort or another for photographs and nominal rolls, commentaries and press releases. The final demand was from a zealous PRO requiring LCpl John Brooks to appear in person at a press conference, in Liverpool, escorting a dog which had savaged the wife of his previous owner. Even this demand was met, in part at least, by a trip to Liverpool with a dog called “Dinty” who had already been selected for the team.
The team, as it appeared in the arena, was composed
of a team commander with five WRAC and five RAVC handlers and eleven dogs. Two reserve dogs were deemed necessary and were handled by WRAC and RAVC personnel. In addition, a baiter was required to complete the cast for the attack sketch. Changes took place for several reasons and some people were not in the final touring side which consisted of:
Sgt Ron Padley ... “Otto”
Cpl Rod Knight ... “Roger”
Sgt Vi nee Glass (Thorneycroft) “Zimba”
LCpl Skidmore ... “Dinty”
Cpl Bonham ... “Bullet”
Pte Mick Beach ... “Carl”
LCpl Johnny Brooks ... “Kane”
Pte Edwards ... “Shaun”
LCpl Flower ... “Teal”
Pte Trevor Rea ... “Wolf”
Pte Trev Ball ... “King”
Pte Jeff Henstock ... “Kim”
Pte Hazell ... “Timber”
And
LCpl Large ... "Baiter"
The props used by the team consisted of four hurdles,
one window jump, a scramble board, a hide, and a metal hoop on a stand which, when lit, provided a ring of fire. Each one of these items had to be capable of withstanding constant transporting and scene shifting, not only by ourselves, but also by arena parties working in the darkness. It speaks well for the Old Dalby workshop that these items remained serviceable throughout the tour. The team were able to carry out such minor repairs, as necessary.
Several ideas were tried in the provisioning of white leads. Nylon rope was found suitable and met our needs. School and Stores Aldershot were helpful in providing white nylon sleeving which could be used to cover the standard rope lead. As far as uniform were concerned the main difficulty was providing the WRAC team members with their jodhpurs and hacking jackets in time. Credit must be given to Sgt Stacey, WRAC, for her assistance in “making” these garments (or their owners!) fit. The Veterinary Hospital at the Depot provided a comprehensive First Aid kit, which proved adequate for our needs.
The arena performance was developed into one of 16 minutes. It consisted of: -
1. Basic obedience by the whole team.
2. Hurdles and window jump -
• Dogs accompanying their handlers running down the line of jumps.
• Dogs recalled over the jumps from the sit stay by the handler from the other end of the line of jumps.
3. Scramble board: 3 dogs (Carl, Kim, and Timber).
4. Fire hoop: 1 dog (Otto).
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