Page 41 - The History of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps 1962–2021

THE HISTORY OF THE ROYAL ARMY VETERINARY CORPS 1962 – 2021
provided Protection dog teams to enhance the security of the Division on exercise. The handlers were given a choice to ‘free run’ to Poland or go as a convoy. Given the needs of the dogs, it was decided that ‘free’ running was the most suitable option! The handlers soon realised they had arrived in Poland, not so much due to any border formalities but more how the Autobahn suddenly turned into a rutted road.
On arrival, the kennels were set up near the emergency HLS and one ISO container, and just as that task had been completed, the other portable kennels arrived by train. This activity attracted plenty of local interest and the same the next day when handlers were sent to guard the rail heads and ports as other heavy armour arrived. More dog teams were deployed on fighting patrols against 5 Airborne Brigade Path Finder Platoon who had previously parachuted into a recce landing zone for the Joint Rapid Deployment Force. For the dogs, this was a particularly successful exercise.
Once all the equipment had arrived by rail, handlers provided protection to the Divisional Support Group and Bulk Fuel Installation as well guarding the airhead where Lynx, Gazelle and RAF Chinooks were sited. Another dog team guarded the Ex Control Area. By day ten, after the Exercise concluded, personnel started to return to the trains and railways and the task of guarding these treasure-filled areas started over. Overall, ULAN EAGLE was a fruitful exercise – the role of the dog teams would not differ in a conventional war scenario, except that handlers’ additional responsibility would be guarding Prisoners of War or Captured Persons.
Even with the minimum number of dog handlers deployed, the use of dogs on the Divisional Exercise proved a resounding success. For instance, there was no theft – which was outstanding compared to previous years when the RAVC was not present. The excellent feedback from the Commanders led the way for future Exercises as well reinforcing the positive role in war for the RAVC.35
The entire year was busy with DASU providing two handlers to support Op AGRICOLA in Kosovo as well as the normal turnover of handlers to Bosnia. The Sennelager based Unit also provided four RAVC members to take part in the Ypres RAVC Memorial parade, and immediately on return, the handlers deployed on Ex PRAIRIE EAGLE for a couple of weeks, which proved useful, as on their arrival all thefts and attempted
35 Chiron Calling Summer 1999 ‘Exercise ULAN EAGLE.’ 36 Chiron Calling Winter 1999/2000 ‘DASU Germany.’
break-ins ceased. Support to ILRRPS continued after the summer break. All this despite the Unit being undermanned and with more personnel warned for deployments to the Balkans in the New Year – the start of the 21st century – the outlook continued to promise full activity.36
The Year 2000:
With the dawn of a new millennium, 1 DASU welcomed a major works refurbishment plan implemented by Paderborn Garrison. This included improvements to the main kennel compound and renovation of the winter indoor kennels. The Unit’s conference facilities, library and training wing were all improved as well as the veterinary hospital and x-ray department. This offered improved facilities for the treatment of smaller animals and horses with new amenities including a consulting room, operating theatre, laboratory, and ultra – sound suite costing in excess of 294,000 DM. Improved services for the hospital- isation and isolation of small animals and horses, complete with the provision of horse hospital boxes and a colic box were also included. The Unit was justifiably proud of its new enhancement.
The demand for the supply of trained dog teams for the Germany Guard Service, military personnel for service in Germany and to have dogs trained in readiness for the Balkans continued. There was also provision for two AES teams on six-month tours of duty. Sadly, the commitment to ILRRPS coincided with a re-birth of the new responsibility to provide dogs for OPTAG.
Large overseas Exercises were supported by trainers from DASU, Ex ULAN EAGLE a 1 UK Armoured Division Exercise located in Poland and Ex SAIF SAREEA 2 that was to be held again in Oman. The Unit had also taken delivery of one of the first ISO Containers modified into indoor kennelling for six dogs, complete with built-in air conditioning and lighting. The concept was thoroughly tested during the Exercise in the Middle East, for which volunteers were plentiful.
The Unit also took on a completely new role – that of assessing the competence of Service personnel to safely handle civilian pet dogs. Following an incident when a young child was attacked by an American Pit Bull and sadly died, the German authorities decided to introduce regulations for the owners of larger dog breeds that were often bred for fighting. In response, each of the local German government authorities decided to revise
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