Page 337 - The History of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps 1962–2021

THE HISTORY OF THE ROYAL ARMY VETERINARY CORPS 1962 – 2021
and prepare for the early start on Monday morning. Seven o’clock Monday morning and it was all hands on deck. Once everyone had changed into their finely pressed kit and smartly polished boots we awaited the arrival of our Colonel-in-Chief.
There were some concerns in the morning as to whether or not the visit would take place considering that the strong winds and rain may well lead to the cancellation of the helicopter flight. Surprisingly, and from nowhere, the wind stopped, the clouds parted and the sun came out. Thankfully, it was full steam ahead with Plan A!
Once word was received that The Princess Royal had arrived at Top Camp and had commenced her serials at the Equine Training Squadron and Veterinary Training Squadron, we knew that her arrival with us was imminent. It wasn’t long before Princess Anne was spotted being proudly shown around the new kennel complex by Lieutenant Colonel Pope. There was also the opportunity for HRH to meet some of the young military working dogs on the way.
Once the VIPs were seated, we knew this was our ‘Cue’ for the demo to commence. This was the moment that all the handlers had been eagerly awaiting and each and every one of us was praying for a flawless performance. For me, my proudest moment was seeing military working dog Spinner prancing along on my left side looking handsome, negotiating his obstacles with ease. This was exactly what I had been praying for. Thankfully the whole demo was executed to perfection and each and every person at the Unit can be proud of their performance.
Just as important as those conducting the Dog display were the efforts of all Civilian and Military staff of the Squadron that played their part in making it such a successful visit.
Once the demo was complete, it was time for the grand opening of the kennels and the unveiling of the plaque. After meeting some of the troops, Princess Anne gave a short speech before finally declaring the new kennel facility open. She added she had thoroughly enjoyed her visit and was impressed with the hard work that had gone into planning such a successful day. And that was it done; the kennels had been officially opened by HRH The Princess Royal with everyone left feeling proud that they had been involved in such an occasion.50
2014... “Front line animal heroes set to march through hometown”
(Leicester Mercury: Alan Thompson)
They say every dog has its day, and next month military working dogs which served on the front line in Afghanistan will have theirs. The RAVC based at
the DAC in Melton, will parade through the town with their four-legged heroes to exercise its “rite of passage”. Around a dozen of the military working horses from
the base, which are used on ceremonial duties in the capital, will also take part in the parade through the town on April 10th. They will be followed by two dozen of the weapons and explosive Search dogs and Guard dogs used for security to such great effect in Afghanistan. Every dog and horse which sees UK operational service anywhere in the world is trained at the centre.
This year (2014) will have a special poignancy because of the part the base played in the First World War; when it served as a remount depot, providing horses for the Front. The band of the Parachute Regiment, which was stationed at the base prior to the Arnhem operation in 1944, will lead the parade through the town. About one hundred and seventy personnel from the DAC and 1st Military Working Dog Regiment, where the dogs go to prior to Front Line service will be taking part in the parade. A bronze statue of a German Shepherd, one of the breeds trained at the centre, was recently unveiled at Melton’s Borough Council Parkside offices, reinforcing the town’s strong links with the base.
Major Steve Leavis RAVC, second in command at the DAC said: “It will be quite a spectacle. It is a tremendous opportunity for the RAVC to reinforce the bond it has with the people of the town. It also kick starts the commemoration of the Great War and should bring everybody together.”
Retired Commandant Lt Col Peter Roffey, who will take part in the parade said: “It is a privilege that the council recognise the service that the Corps has given to the town, having been at the base since 1946. It is a great honour for any unit or Corps to be given the Freedom of the borough. It is the people of the borough saying they appreciate the service you have given. It will have a special significance given the 100th anniversary of the start of World War One.”
It will be the fifth time the Corps has exercised its right to parade through Melton, “with bayonets fixed, drums beating and colours flying,” since being awarded the Freedom of the Borough in May 1977. Subsequent parades took place in 1987, 1997 and 2007.51
RAVC Rite of Passage Parade – Melton Mowbray – 10th April 2014
The Freedom of the Borough of Melton Mowbray was originally awarded to the Commanding Officer and all ranks of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps (RAVC) in 1977. The Defence Animal Centre has previously marked the occasion with a parade through the town on that and four other occasions.
However, to herald the start of the World War One
50 ‘Visit of RAVC Colonel in Chief, HRH The Princess Royal,’ Chiron Calling Spring/Summer 2014. 51 Leicester Mercury Newspaper, an article by Alan Thompson circa April 2014.
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