Page 332 - The History of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps 1962–2021

THE HISTORY OF THE ROYAL ARMY VETERINARY CORPS 1962 – 2021
kneeler was presented to the Church and, at that time, plans for the erection of a commemorative plaque started to emerge.
So it was that forty-eight Corps personnel – serving and retired – assembled in Ypres on 4th June.
A coach conveying thirty-eight personnel left the Defence Animal Centre at 1:00 AM, to arrive just after 7.00 AM. Others had come the day before and stayed overnight. A party of four personnel with dogs travelled from Sennelager to provide ‘animal’ support. An original plan to ship horses from the UK was thwarted when we discovered that horseboxes are not allowed to transit the Channel Tunnel.
The Service of Dedication was held at 11:00 AM in Saint George’s Memorial Church during which the Colonel Commandant, Major General Johnny MFC Hall CB OBE, unveiled the inscribed brass plaque that now adorns the wall of the church. It is in a prominent place since it is immediately opposite the entrance door. It reads:
“in grateful memory of the sacrifices made by those officers and soldiers of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps who gave their lives in the defence of our nation and the cause of freedom in two world wars and conflict since. Their bodies are buried in peace but their names liveth for evermore.”
A significant aspect of the Service was the Padre’s insistence that the four personnel with dogs sit before the altar where they were visible to the congregation and able take part in a celebration of the contribution that God’s creatures make to the military cause and the contribution the Corps makes in their care. What a marvellous gesture this was and how well received and appreciated by all present.
After the Service we formed-up and marched to the Menin Gate Memorial where a wreath was laid by General Johnny Hall on behalf of the Corps and the Act of Homage was said by Major Peter Dalton. For this noon ceremony buglers of the Fire Brigade Band played a special Last Post and Reveille. The Ypres Fire Brigade has, quite remarkably, maintained a tradition of sounding Last Post at the Menin Gate Memorial every evening at 8:00 PM, without fail, since the memorial was dedicated on 11th November 1929 nearly seventy years ago. For our special occasion, the Corps was privileged to have the support of three smartly uniformed buglers of the Band.
After serving personnel had changed back into civilian dress, lunch was taken at ‘t Zweerd Hotel in the Grote Markt in the middle of town. It was a leisurely and enjoyable meal though there was still time for those who wished to explore a little of the town before boarding the Melton bus at 4:00 PM. Although our tunnel transit
41 Chiron Calling dated Summer 1999.
42 AMD TDT Defect Report dated 17th April 2003.
time was not until 8:00 PM we set off just after 4:00 o’clock to visit the War Cemetery at Lijssenthoek. It is just as well that we did since, en route to the tunnel we met two road diversions that added much time and sorely tested our navigation skills.
At Lijssenthoek we paraded our standards and marched to the memorial cross in the far corner of the graveyard. Mr Peter Randall GM, Chairman of the Melton Branch of the Association, recited the Act of Homage and Mr Ken Carpenter the Branch Secretary, laid the wreath as we stood silent in a very stiff breeze. So stiff that we subsequently had to remove the wreath to a more secure area. Personnel then had the opportunity to walk around the Cemetery, take note of the scene and reflect on the enormity of the loss of life and sacrifice it all represents. This was, for many, the most moving part of the day as these thoughts and reflections struck home. It is difficult to perceive the loss of life in World War One until one sees a cemetery so vast as this dedicated for those four horrendous years, 1914 – 1918, and for so small a part of the battle front.
On then to the tunnel, collect the Duty Frees and back into Melton Mowbray at midnight, just 23 hours on. Exhausted but exhilarated by the experience and knowing that, at long last, the Corps had paid proper tribute to those who did not return, those to whom we owe our freedom. We will remember them.41
2003... ‘Contrasting Weather’ – Canine Division Update
Over the last six months Canine Division personnel have had the opportunity to sample an amazing contrast in the weather in the course of their duties – both here at Melton and overseas. Div personnel have been success- fully deployed to Iraq, Bosnia and Afghanistan. Trainers have successfully completed Ex MAD DOG ARCTIC in Canada.
The weather has been very bleak at times during the DAC’s MAD DOG Exercise on their final phase of Class 3 training. The aim of the Exercise was to revise and hone the field skills of the young RAVC soldiers and to build upon their basic training. This followed the review and restructuring of the RAVC Dog Handlers’ Trade Courses. Initially, it was found that the training given did not offer all that was required of an operational dog handler in the MWD Sp Units, therefore a training defect had been noted and the course content reviewed. The MAD DOG Exercise then used to validate the remedial action to the shortfall, and so ensure the RAVC was fully prepared for their future roles.42
The weather was equally cold in Stockholm when Sgt Kev Gavin visited the Swedish Dog Training School
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