Page 327 - The History of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps 1962–2021

THE HISTORY OF THE ROYAL ARMY VETERINARY CORPS 1962 – 2021
not apprehended, valuable intelligence information is frequently obtained. Sweep dogs employed in Hong Kong have been credited with the detection and capture of more than eleven thousand illegal immigrants.”
The ADTS, which has just undergone £100,000 refurbishment of its kennels, trained two hundred and forty-eight dogs and five hundred and fifty-seven personnel in 1986/87. It handles seven different types – not breeds – of dogs. That means cross-breeds with German Shepherds, for instance, are acceptable. At present it has thirteen hundred dogs on active service around the world. Many dogs are donated, but all entrants undergo comprehensive health and suitability tests. While one dog on patrol can do the work of up to five men, the revered Bloodhound is not considered suitable for Army use.
Captain Peter Hepworth, ADTS Officer in Charge, explained: “We once had two bloodhounds, “Barney” and “Buffon,” who were excellent trackers but were reluctant to climb over walls and obstacles. They were too heavy to lift over. That meant you had to mark the place on the wall where the scent was, walk the bloodhounds to the nearest gate, then back to the same spot on the other side!
“Some pet owners think their dogs are suitable for the Army because they are aggressive at home. But that’s not always the case. I remember one that had bitten a postman and then one of our handlers when its owner was present. When the owner left it turned out the dog was a complete wimp when confronted by someone who didn’t back off. That dog, who had been the cock-of- the-walk at home, lacked courage and failed the Army test. But it did go back to its owner a better pet.”
The training of dogs is done with kindness, with a reward of praise! Search techniques are worked at as a game, using the basic premise that a dog wishes to please its master.
Dogs, like soldiers, have their own Service Number, records and rations, and actually “join up” when their number is tattooed into their ear. They go on Active Service for about six-years and usually on retirement have to be humanely destroyed as they are unsuitable as pets.
But some win a stay of execution to perform a vital role – helping newly-recruited handlers, including Territorial Army soldiers, to learn their jobs. The idea is, that if the learner handler makes a mistake, at least the dog knows what it’s doing!
The Commandant, Col Brian Thompson, said: “We have an excellent relationship with neighbouring farmers who allow us access to 40,000 acres of adjoining agricultural land for dog training, and with the local community. They allow us to practise searching in
33 Soldier Magazine dated October 1988. 34 Chiron Calling dated November 1988.
35 Soldier Magazine dated September 1990.
warehouses, cinemas and the railway station.”33
1987... Freedom Anniversary Parade
The granting of the freedom of the borough of Melton, on September 29th 1977, had been a significant honour for the RAVC. On the afternoon of Thursday October 1st 1987, the Corps celebrated the 10th anniversary by marching through the Town Centre with bayonets fixed.
The parade comprised: eighty-nine personnel from the RAVC Centre, both male and female, twenty-four dogs and eighteen horses. Led by the Band of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, the Corps’ Standard was paraded through the streets followed by four sections marching (two with dogs) and a mixed mounted section at the rear. The Mayor of Melton, Cllr B W Ludwig, took the salute at the marketplace with the DAVRS (Brig G R Durrant) and Comdt RAVC Centre (Col B J Thompson) in attendance.
Many shoppers and children were on the streets to see the parade which, to the frustration of at least one motorist, brought traffic throughout Melton to a complete halt.
Later in the afternoon the Director hosted a Celebratory Reception at the Officers’ Mess at the RAVC Centre for over one hundred Civic and business personalities.34
1990... One – Armed Wonder!
Instructors at the Army Dog Training School at Melton Mowbray had to break new ground when LCpl Thor Taylor of the 16th/5th The Queen’s Royal Lancers arrived to start a basic dog handler’s course.
LCpl Taylor lost his left arm in an accident last December, and the Melton Mowbray staff were sceptical about his chances of controlling and lifting an Army Protection dog.
But they were amazed at just how versatile his false arm was and, with some slightly revised procedures and a stronger control wire in the false arm, watched him sail through one test after the other. It soon became apparent that the only limitations he had were those imposed on him by his colleagues.
With some extra tuition and adaption, LCpl Taylor achieved a creditable pass, much to the delight of the training wing. After gaining experience on the ground, he may return to Melton Mowbray to do a Specialist dog handling course.35
The ‘Freedom of Melton’ Parade 1992
On 1st October 1992, Personnel of the DAC paraded through the streets of Melton Mowbray to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the granting of the Freedom of the Borough of Melton to the RAVC.
The Parade was proudly led by their retiring
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