Page 427 - The History of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps 1962–2021

THE HISTORY OF THE ROYAL ARMY VETERINARY CORPS 1962 – 2021
to disrupt the theft and ‘encourage’ the robbers to flee the scene after abandoning their cache. Unfortunately, due to the terrain, there was no pursuit operation to try and capture the group; however the items were successfully retrieved by the Security Forces.
This example illustrates the value of Protection dogs in enhancing security. There were many more successes, all of which were down to the efforts and the professionalism of the handlers concerned.
By mid-September 2003, the perimeter fence was completed and Surge Protection dog teams returned to their parent Units. Many of the teams involved had experienced their first Operational tour and gained vital experience. Cpl Jepson returned to RAFP Cyprus, Cpl Debbie Gray, and Pte Chris Green returned to 1 DASU, and LCpl Chelsea Cant, Ptes Alan Murray and Leigh Deighton returned to 101 MWD Sp Unit in Aldershot.
The use of Protection dog teams, as a force multiplier is often overlooked, but the work of the teams throughout the Iraq conflict clearly showcased the true value of these assets when deployed on Operations. Looting decreased signifi- cantly in all areas wherever the dogs were deployed. Where large groups of locals gathered, such as at the main gates looking for employment, the crowds would often get restless, especially if no work was offered. It was the Protection dogs, kept visible in the background, that had the most effective calming effect. And in addition to supporting public order situations the Patrol dog teams were also deployed to support sites, protect on cordons, and during sweep searches of buildings and, as said, in detecting and deterring looters.
Departures and Distractions:
Mid-way into the tour, the team witnessed the departure of the AES team members, notably Cpl Jake Barker RAVC and Cpl Struchfield RMP. Both had gained significant experience whilst in some of the worst areas in Southern Iraq and, to their credit, they both had a number of significant finds by the time they departed. As the last of the Op TELIC 1 group to leave, they both deserved a well-earned break having served over six-months in theatre.
In their place we saw the arrival of LCpl Paul Jobling and LCpl Cat Porter, with the addition of two new VS dogs, and their AES dogs – all new arrivals needing to acclimatise quickly. Within a week of being deployed on Ops they had notched
up two finds each and were very much in demand and consequently working long hours.
Away from Operations the Unit personnel kept themselves fit, with weekly sports activities involving running, volley ball and football. Shaibah organised a 10 km charity fun run in aid of the Royal British Legion. The RAVC entered a team which completed the event and raised US$300. As a bonus they also won the fancy dress competition dressed as nurses! This was considered a great honour as the other runners selected the winner.
The Unit grew used to receiving visitors and conducting briefings, tours of the Section and organising demonstrations with the Search dog teams. A visit by the Chief of the General Staff General Sir Mike Jackson, GCB, CBE, DSO, DL, was a major highlight and the Unit’s most senior visitor. He took time to speak with all available personnel for whom the visit was likely to be the most memorable element of their tour.
The Unit also liaised with the Czech Army, based in downtown Basra. This location lacked a suitable training area making the British location very popular with the Czechs who became regular visitors with their dog teams. Joint training sessions run by the guru, Cpl Thompson, were held and ideas swapped. Although training methods varied, it was evident that the Czechs took great pride in their dogs and their standards were very high.
In Chiron Calling (2003/4) WO2 LP Williams reflected on the move to consolidation:
As our three-months came to close, Captain Kate Gledhill (OC) and WO2 Paul Williams (SM) were replaced by Captain Mike Robinson (OC) and Sgt Tony Witson RAVC (V). Although the transition from the war fighting phase to the consolidation phase has taken place, the situation in Iraq is unfortunately one that sees the Coalition forces continuing to take casualties and Iraq is still a dangerous place and will remain so for the foreseeable future. The majority of the Iraqi people are glad that the Coalition forces are there; unfortunately a minority are trying to disrupt the situation.
The British services personnel continue to act profes- sionally and are clearly winning the hearts and minds of the people. Much work is being done behind the scenes. A visit to a local school, where clothing from Britain had been donated to the children, brought the whole experience home to us. Seeing their happy smiling faces, with all hope for the future, gave everyone a good feeling and made all the effort and hardships worthwhile. The dedication and professionalism of the RAVC Regular and Reservist personnel is a credit to them all. The Unit
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