Page 497 - The History of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps 1962–2021

THE HISTORY OF THE ROYAL ARMY VETERINARY CORPS 1962 – 2021
of both locations. Thanks to British support, notably EOD with AES assets, the American 24 MEU (24 Marine Expeditionary Unit) have established FOB RHINO to the south of these two locations.
Moving further north east along the Upper Gereshk Valley you reach FOB ROBINSON where there has been a MWD presence for a number of months. Just to its North is the District Centre of SANGIN which has a large military presence. 2 PARA will relocate their Joint Operations Centre (JOC) to this FOB and will co-ordinate all their activity from here. The Unit has had an AES team based there for the duration of its tour and has been inundated with requests for additional support.
Slightly further up the valley is FOB INKERMAN which sits on the edge of the ‘Green Zone’ which makes up part of the Forward Line of Enemy Troops (FLET). It sees a fair amount of activity and so one of the IP teams has been utilised here. KAJAKI is at the North East end of this valley (many of you will be familiar with the area from Ross Kemp’s series earlier this year) and has had dedicated MWD support for a long period. The FOB is being downsized to Platoon strength with Czechs moving in for the near future. An AES team based there will be relocated with an Infantry Company (D Coy 2 PARA) into FOB ROBINSON.
To the West of KAJAKI lies the strategic area of MUSA QALA. There was a concerted effort to retake this town during HERRICK 7 and there remains a concerted effort during HERRICK 8 to hold it. The DC itself is surrounded by FOB EDINBURGH and the NOW ZAD OP. There have been a number of both specialist and protection teams who have operated in this region in direct support of 3 PARA, Police Mentoring Teams (PMT) and 5 SCOTS.
To conclude ‘the places in between’ vary wildly in their climate, terrain, remoteness and most importantly threat level. Although not mirroring the route taken by Rory Stewart, those taken by the Support Helicopters (SH) and Combat Logistic Patrols (CLP) are as equally challenging to the RAVC handlers and their much sought-after dogs.
A Tribute to the Fallen:
Sadly, in July 2008, the RAVC had its first fatality in Afghanistan – Lance Corporal Kenneth Michael Rowe RAVC.
Lance Corporal Kenneth Michael Rowe of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps, attached to 2nd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment, was KIA on Thursday 24th July 2008. LCpl Ken Rowe joined the Army in Newcastle on 7th March 2005. He successfully completed his Phase 1 training at ATR Winchester in June 2005, and his Phase 2 dog training in July 2005. He quickly went on to establish himself as a dog handler and trainer of
the highest order, deploying to Northern Ireland. He deployed to Afghanistan in March 2008.
Following the death of LCpl Rowe, 2 PARA’s Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Joe O’Sullivan, and OC 104 Military Working Dog Support Unit, Major Chris Ham RAVC, paid the following tribute:
On the evening of 24th July, LCpl Rowe’s Company deployed forward from their base in northern Helmand to prevent the Taliban from threatening the security of the Helmand River Valley and the immediate vicinity of the base. As an Ammunition and Explosives Search Dog Handler, LCpl Rowe was an integral part of 2 PARA’s capability to conduct effective search operations. His job was to accompany patrols within the local area and to identify stocks of weapons, ammunition and explosives before they could be employed against ISAF forces or injure local people. This work inevitably placed both handler and dog in high risk situations on a regular basis. A fully integrated and popular member of the team, Kenneth Rowe had a pivotal role in support of the Company’s operations. On the evening of 24th July both LCpl Rowe and his dog, “Sasha”, lost their lives in a contact with the enemy whilst conducting a search operation. LCpl Rowe died supporting his colleagues in a situation that required his customary composure and professionalism in handling his dog whilst facing a substantial threat from the enemy. In doing so he demonstrated all of the spirit, dedication and bravery of both his own unit and the Company of which he had become an integral part. He will be remembered as a man with a genuine passion for his work and a true professional with an infectious enthusiasm.
As a specialist soldier working with 2 PARA, LCpl Rowe’s services were vital and in constant demand, and with full knowledge of the risks involved, he never failed to deliver. LCpl Kenneth Rowe was a promising NCO with a bright future. Our thoughts are very much with his family at this difficult time.
2 PARA’s task in Helmand will continue with vigour in his memory and his legacy to the Battalion’s work in Afghanistan will never be forgotten.
Other tributes followed:
Company Commander OC B Coy 2 PARA, Major Stuart McDonald: This was the third operation in which I had the pleasure to work with LCpl Rowe and as always, his humour, energy and good banter all made the job that little bit more bearable. He was actually scheduled to leave FOB INKERMAN on 23rd July but was concerned about the lack of Ammunition and Explosives Search (AES) cover if he departed and lobbied his unit to allow him to stay; this unselfish action epitomised his professionalism and dedication to
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