Page 366 - The History of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps 1962–2021

THE HISTORY OF THE ROYAL ARMY VETERINARY CORPS 1962 – 2021
unfortunately injured, and Defence has military vets and vet nurses to ensure animals receive the care and rehabilitation they deserve. Kuno is an amazing dog in many ways, and we are delighted that the PDSA has decided to award him their Dickin Medal.”
Now retired and rehomed, Kuno is to receive the PDSA Dickin Medal – the highest animal honour in existence for military animal valour – in a virtual ceremony in November (2020). The PDSA, the UK’s leading veterinary charity, is responsible for the world’s most prestigious awards for animal bravery.
PDSA Director General, Jan McLoughlin, said: “Kuno’s heroic actions undoubtedly changed the course of the mission and saved lives. He took on the enemy without fear or hesitation, never faltering from his duty despite being seriously injured. For his bravery and devotion to duty, he is a thoroughly deserving recipient of the PDSA Dickin Medal and we look forward to formally presenting his award later this year.”
The world-renowned Medal was introduced by PDSA’s founder, Maria Dickin CBE, in 1943. It is the highest award any animal can achieve while serving in military conflict. Kuno will become its 72nd recipient; previous recipients include thirty-four dogs, thirty-two World War II messenger pigeons, four horses and one cat.19
Kuno protected his team from attack, remaining undeterred in his duty. In doing so, he became the eighth RAVC Military Working Dog to receive the PDSA Dickin Medal – recognised, worldwide, as the animals’ Victoria Cross.
One of those who preceded Kuno’s award was Special Forces MWD “Mali”:
Hero Special Forces Dog Receives Animal Victoria Cross:
“Mali” has been recognised for his actions in Afghanistan in 2012
A military dog who helped save the lives of Special Forces troops in Afghanistan will today receive the PDSA Dickin Medal – the animals’ equivalent of the Victoria Cross. “Mali” has been recognised for his actions in Afghanistan in 2012.
The eight-year-old Belgian Malinois was helping the SBS (Special Boat Service) and Afghan troops clear a building in the capital, Kabul, following a high-profile Taliban attack, when he was seriously injured during the operation. Mali survived three grenade blasts...
Mali was sent through direct fire on two separate occasions to conduct searches for explosives. During the operation, he was also hoisted up the outside of the building several times to provide the assault force with a key foothold to attack the insurgents. The Special Forces teams sustained a number of casualties during the assault and Mali was seriously injured. Three grenade
19 Ministry of Defence Press Release, published 29th August 2020.
20 Forces Net dated 17th November 2017.
blasts caused injuries to his chest, front and rear legs and a further blast detonated close to his face, which caused the loss of Mali’s front tooth and damaged his right ear. Despite these injuries, Mali continued with the mission, which ended successfully for UK Forces.
Mali’s handler at the time, whose identity has been protected for security reasons, was also awarded a gallantry medal for this action during the operation.
Commenting on Mali’s PDSA Dickin Medal, the charity’s Director General, Jan McLoughlin, said: “Mali has displayed a truly awesome ability and deter- mination to seek out explosives and insurgents during a key operation. To achieve this, while exposed to close combat and such intense enemy attack, makes him an incredibly worthy recipient of the PDSA Dickin Medal.”
Mali’s current handler, Cpl Daniel Hatley, who also trained the Belgian Malinois as a puppy said: “I am extremely proud of Mali. The way he conducted himself when it mattered most enabled my colleagues to achieve success in close combat. Being awarded the PDSA Dickin Medal recognises Mali’s vital role within the Force that day.”
Mali, who is now attached to the Royal Army Veterinary Corps (RAVC), will be the 69th recipient of the award. It is the highest accolade an animal can receive. This year’s medal has an extra-special centenary bar added. Brigadier Roly Walker, Head Army Strategy and Colonel Commandant of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps, said: “As long as we’ve had soldiers we’ve had animals; and I think we will always have them.”20
MWD Equipment Development Since 1962: Kennelling: The different types of kennels required to sustain MWD capability include:
Transportable Container Dog Accommodation (TCDA) Kennels – were located in Main Operating Bases (MOBs) or large Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) as they assist in conditioning/acclimati- sation and the preparation of new dogs arriving in theatre as well as those enjoying a period of rest and recuperation. Where necessary all types of kennels all protected from any form of explosive device, whether by purpose made blast walls or heavy sandbagging.
Field Kennels – are secure (as dogs can be left without supervision) when placed on a hard-standing and are required during Relief in Place (RIP) between deployments as well as at more permanent FOB locations.
Tactical Kennels – small, flexible and agile, these are pre-located at FOBs and Patrol Bases (PBs) to provide an area for the dog to rest whilst deployed on operations.
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