Page 498 - The History of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps 1962–2021

THE HISTORY OF THE ROYAL ARMY VETERINARY CORPS 1962 – 2021
his job. I feel lucky to have known him and gutted to have said goodbye. He will be sorely missed by everyone in FOB INKERMAN.
Captain Martyn Thompson, OC Theatre Military Working Dog Support Unit (Army) (TMWDSU): LCpl Rowe was a rising star in the Royal Army Veterinary Corps who had a drive and a passion that set him apart from his peers. His infectious enthusiasm and energy rubbed off on all those around and he tackled everything that was thrown at him with typical Geordie humour. He was a high calibre soldier, a dedicated dog handler and talented sportsman who was destined for great things in the Army. LCpl Rowe was an absolute pleasure to command and I will miss his hare-brained and ingenious plans to improve our lot. He leaves behind his parents Lyn and Kenneth and his sisters Jennifer and Stephanie. Our thoughts and prayers are with them all at this tragic time.
Captain Cees Bennett, Veterinary Officer: Ken was the cheeky Geordie who always made you smile, even when he was annoyingly cheerful in the mornings. He took pride in what he did and in becoming better at it; he was already someone who others looked up to. He will be sorely missed as that bright spark in a crowd and as a genuinely good bloke.
Close friend LCpl Marianne Hay RAVC: I have worked with Ken since he joined the Army in 2005 and I have always admired his keenness and devotion to work. He was always full of confidence; he was popular with the ladies and he always made me smile. In fact, he got on with everyone; he made friends easily and was a tremendous character to have in the unit. He will be sadly missed but not forgotten – ‘Search and Secure’ Ken, Rest in Peace.
Troop Commander Engineer Squadron, Lieutenant James Atkinson: I have worked with LCpl Rowe on three separate operations, since being deployed to Afghanistan in March 2008. The first thing to strike me about LCpl Rowe was his shear love, dedication and professionalism for his job. In between patrols LCpl Rowe was a mean Risk player, taking over the world on more than one occasion. The British Army has lost a very professional soldier and charismatic individual and my thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.
Troop Commander Engineer Squadron, Second Lieutenant Richard Scott: 2 Troop, 61 Field Support Squadron had the enjoyment of LCpl Rowe’s company in FOB INKERMAN. LCpl Rowe’s enthusiasm not only for his job as a Dog Handler
but for the time consuming activities such as ‘Risk’ and ‘Monopoly’ quickly made him become a vital member of our troop. He maintained morale, especially at a time when a member of 2 Tp was injured by indirect fire to the FOB. He adminis- tered First Aid and was a tremendous asset. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of those who knew and loved LCpl Rowe (and his dog Sasha). May he always be remembered and rest in peace.
Company Sergeant Major, Warrant Officer Class Two Martin Thorp: When I first met LCpl Rowe he was full of enthusiasm and clearly dedicated to his job. His professionalism and total dedication were apparent to everyone who had the good fortune to work alongside him. He understood the dangers he faced day to day and yet he soldiered on unnerved. He will be deeply missed by B Company.
Warrant Officer Class Two Frank Holmes, Operations Warrant Officer TMWDSU: LCpl Rowe was one of the most enthusiastic handlers that I had seen for some time. He was a Sergeant Major’s dream. His work ethic was second to none and his talent with dogs unquestionable. His thirst for knowledge ensured that he never stopped asking questions and he wanted to know as much about his chosen profession as possible. A keen sportsman, especially at football, he represented the Unit and the Corps; we often joked that he could play for Newcastle United if he got to the game early enough. Ken was also a talented runner and was by far the quickest in the unit. A generous and thoughtful young man, he has been instrumental in helping the various charities that the dog unit has supported. These include Help for Heroes and SSAFA for whom he helped to raise some $5,000. Ken was a talented young man destined for great things and he will be sadly missed.
Sergeant Andy Dodds RAVC: I only knew Ken for a short time, but his lust for life, enthusiasm and humour were all so infectious you could not help but notice when he was around. His constant smiling face and his barrage of jokes about my small feet and anything else he could find to joke about ensured morale was never low. Ken you will be sorely missed, you have left a gap which can never be filled. You will never be forgotten – Rest in Peace.
Privates Harry McKnight and John Allison RAVC: The first day we arrived at 104 Military Working Dog Support Unit Ken was a very friendly face and made us feel welcome by taking us under his wing, both in the UK and in Afghanistan. He always made sure we were both OK. Ken was a
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