Page 34 - The History of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps 1962–2021

THE HISTORY OF THE ROYAL ARMY VETERINARY CORPS 1962 – 2021
in the use of dogs. Can it be that, at last, someone, somewhere has heard the message that we have been preaching for the last quarter of a century?”13
1971 saw the BAOR Dog Trials held at Sennelager in the precincts of 1 ADTU which the previous year had celebrated its 25th anniversary of being on site. Competitors for the trials spent three days and nights in competition and during that time were tested in every aspect of dog handling, with entrants from The Royal Artillery, the RMP, MSO Detachments from all over BAOR and GSU Berlin. On the final day, the trials were open to the public and year on year, the crowds of spectators grew and grew. The dog demonstration by 1 ADTU, where a simulated bag snatch and a motorised bank robbery, both successfully foiled, proved a crowd favourite.
Another annual success was the Horse Trials comprising a Novice and Open Hunter Trials for both German and British riders. This proved a popular BAOR event and attracted an audience of over a thousand people.14
As the 1970s ran on, it was reported that the Unit continued to prosper and, by 1973, there was a near full establishment of five hundred and eighty-seven personnel with a strength of five hundred and fifty British and MSO personnel.15 Records also referred to the laying of foundations for the new Staffordshire Police kennels which were being installed. Subsequent ‘jottings’ confirmed that there were many lamp stands in the new kennel compound which were ‘... likely to create a power crisis for Sennelager.’16
In his letter to the Unit, dated 18th March 1974, Brigadier M H Sinnat, HQ 1st British Corps, wrote after his visit:
“I was delighted with my visit to your Unit on Friday and felt I had to write to say how pleased and impressed I was with everything I saw. Obviously 1 ADTU is a thriving concern and their spirit and efficiency do you credit. I was slightly disturbed by the attitude of some of the dogs to the Inspecting Officer but suppose this is what they are paid for; one thing they cannot be accused of is dumb insolence!”17
One excellent source of amusing anecdotes that help bring the Corps history alive are the notes from the Veterinary Department. One note
outlines the call out of the VO at 0400 hrs one Sunday morning. It began with an urgent request to visit a bitch belonging to a high-ranking Officer in the garrison. On arrival, after a brief history of the case, the VO concerned was shown into the sitting room where he was left alone to treat the patient, while the owner waited nervously outside. Two minutes later, the VO reappeared asking if he could borrow a sharp carving knife. The owner obliged and the VO disappeared back into the room. Soon he was out again, this time asking for a hammer and chisel, by this time the owners were in a terrible state of agitation and worry. The VO went back into the sitting room only to return minutes later saying: “I am sorry, but I’m afraid I’ll need a crowbar.”
Astonished, the owner screeched: “A crowbar? For goodness sake, can’t you transfer her to the Veterinary Hospital for something as serious as this? What’s wrong with her anyway?”
The VO replied, sheepishly: “I haven’t a clue. I am still trying to get my case open!”18
Op BANNER Units, under training at Sennelager, created plenty of work for 1 ADTU at this time with demonstrations of how to employ dogs and the provision of assistance to search training, regularly requested. VIP AES searches were completed, one of them being for Her Majesty the Queen, in 1975 on her visit to Munster.19
Her Majesty was the focal point of another special parade. This time the hard work and drill was for her visit to the Sennelager Training Area for the Royal Silver Jubilee Review of the Army in 1977. For this the Unit was directed to provide a display at the Review on 7th July which was to be observed by many thousands of spectators including senior Officers from all NATO countries.20
Although the Veterinary Hospital remained largely untouched by the frantic preparations that rocked Sennelager in readiness for the Queen’s visit there was one incident that put the VOs centre stage. It involved a horse named “Dettingen” – the Queen’s Own Hussars huge Drum Horse – who was frightened by the 21 Gun Salute. A decision was taken to administer an injection of ACP just before the dress rehearsal to quieten him down. It was a good plan – in one way, but the subsequent muscle relaxation, made him apt to let things
13 The Journal of The Royal Army Veterinary Corps Volume 40 No 2 Summer 1969.
14 The Journal of The Royal Army Veterinary Corps Volume 42 (and last) No 2 Summer 1971.
15 Chiron Calling duplicated Issue No 2 dated 29th September 1973.
16 Chiron Calling duplicated Issue No 3 dated April 1974.
17 ‘Thank You’ letter by Brigadier M H Sinnat HQ 1st British Corps dated 18th March 1974.
18 Chiron Calling duplicated Issue No 6 dated December 1975.
19 Chiron Calling duplicated Issue No 5 dated April 1975.
20 Chiron Calling duplicated Issue No 8 dated August 1977.
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