Page 394 - The History of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps 1962–2021

THE HISTORY OF THE ROYAL ARMY VETERINARY CORPS 1962 – 2021
to gather, communicate and connect across the years.
Archives and artefacts
The Corp’s artefacts and archives, having been in storage since 1986, are secured with the AMS Museum at Keogh Barracks.19 See Chapter: ‘The RAVC in Aldershot – Our Spiritual Home’ regarding the RAVC Museum.
A renowned artist, Clare Villar, completed a commission for the RAVC by producing a bespoke intricate, handwritten Muster Roll of the RAVC. It is incredibly detailed and includes every current serving member of the RAVC on the 1st January 2018. It now hangs in the DATR HQ.
The RAVC has commissioned several paintings since the early 1960s. These include the montage of the RAVC Training Centre by David Rowlands in 1986, The oil painting entitled Search and Secure by military artist David Pentland was commissioned for the 25th Anniversary of the ADU NI RAVC, in 1998. This piece depicts the four different classifi- cations of dogs employed in NI in the four main locations around the Province at that time: an AES dog in front of Belfast City Hall, a Tracker dog being lifted into a Lynx helicopter with the twin spires of Armagh Cathedral in the background, a VS dog working in front of the famous ‘YOU ARE ENTERING FREE DERRY’ mural and a Guard dog patrolling the walls of the Maze, Long Kesh. This evocative memorial to those who served now hangs in the RHQ Conference Room of 1st MWD Regiment.
The artist, John King, well-known for his military works, produced Animals that have Served, a behind the scenes view of the Royal Tournament in 1994. Displayed in the Officers’ Mess at the DATR is a work entitled, The Ark Tableau, a stunning demonstration of the many and varied uses of animals in the military dating back to Hannibal and his elephants. One more treasure in the RAVC’s collection is a painting by Captain Damien Bush RAVC, who, whilst serving Hong Kong, captured in oils a depiction of all arms of the HKMSC including scenes of RAVC handlers working their dogs in various situations. This work was displayed in the National Army Museum for several years.
In more recent years three more paintings have been commissioned for the collection: Stand Back, Stay Back represents the duties of a Guard dog and handler on patrol in Northern Ireland. In Find, do not Fetch, the AES dog is captured working
alongside their handler in the heat of Afghanistan and in the shadow of the insurgents’ threat. Bringing together all the components of the Corps’ unique role in the British Army is the depiction commissioned to celebrate the centenary. Captain Dan McRink RAVC approached the renowned military and equine artist, Daniel Crane in early 2018 to produce a number of options for consider- ation. The final selection was unveiled at the RAVC Association meeting on the 27th Novembers 2018 and is now prominently displayed at the DATR.
And finally...
The vision of Brigadier Geoffrey Durrant to secure the RAVC’s future by linking to the AMS was inspired and successful. The Corps had already established its uniqueness within the Army family, what it needed was stability and from the integration in 1995 came the opportunities for the men and women of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps to display their capabilities to a world-wide stage of Defence. Identity – not lost but enhanced.
LCpl Dan Fiddy and his Drugs Dog Casper on board HMS Monmouth during counter drug operations for the RN Atlantic Patrol Task (North) 2004.
19 ‘Integrating with the AMS’ Chiron Calling, Winter 2001/02.
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