Page 448 - The History of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps 1962–2021

THE HISTORY OF THE ROYAL ARMY VETERINARY CORPS 1962 – 2021
was introduced to the military line up, including DAVRS, CO DAC, CO 1 MWD Regt, Association Chairman and the Regimental Secretary.
The Chaplain, Revd Brian McAvoy MBE conducted the Service which was suitably written for the day. HRH was then invited to unveil the memorial which was covered in a large Corps flag. As the Corps RSM and Regimental Secretary stood on each side of the memorial to help remove the flag, HRH was asked to simply lift the flag up from the middle, and as she did so, she loudly exclaimed her approval to the memorial by shouting a royal, “Wow!”
To us that was probably the best Royal approval that we could have wished for.
Following the service, everyone moved very quickly to the Pavilion for the Reception. Once
inside the marquee, HRH met the bereaved families, current serving members, and our friends from the PDSA, Crest Publishers, the Contractor and Mr Keith Rackham, his son Andrew Rackham and the engraver, Woody. And finally, as she was leaving, HRH was presented with a posy by four-year-old Riley, a nephew of the late LCpl Kenneth Rowe.
The RAVC Memorial project was not only a challenge but was also long overdue. We can now at least spend some time reminiscing about those who have sacrificed their lives in the name of the Corps and their country whenever we visit the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas, Staffordshire.
A place of quiet contemplation in the presence of heroes.
The RAVC Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas, Staffordshire.
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