Page 530 - The History of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps 1962–2021

THE HISTORY OF THE ROYAL ARMY VETERINARY CORPS 1962 – 2021
We extend our appreciation to all who have worked with the RAVC over many years – the WRAC, LEPs, the clerical and quartermaster ’s department staff, instructional staff, kennel as- sistants, rider/grooms, the other Corps and Reg- iments – their Regimental Handlers, RAFP, Dstl, DE&S, numerous civilians: whether from the Civil Service, or locally employed, the entire Melton Mowbray community, and of course, all who have worked alongside the RAVC, or al- lowed the horses or working dogs, trainers and handlers to use their facilities in the pursuit of success in the training of Military Working An- imals. Our thanks must also go to our friends at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, the National Memo- rial Arboretum, Crest Publications, the PDSA, RSPCA, the Horse Trust, the Dogs Trust, the Uni- versity of Nottingham and many other organisa- tions that have ably assisted and fully supported the wider RAVC community in numerous ways.
And where would we be without the support of the partners, families and friends of all RAVC personnel? Those who have tolerated nurtured and strengthened the men and women in the course of their duties and by doing so have, inevitably, enhanced the MWA capability by their positive actions and unwavering support.
Of course, the MWAs are essential to the Corps. Without them, as partners and work colleagues the RAVC would not be able to function and probably not exist.
Acknowledging the fallen in our ranks, those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in uniform for their country means recognising the darkness and ongoing pain experienced by their loved ones. Forever, we salute them.
‘Lest we forget’
Lance Corporal John Paschal RAVC
(2 WDTU) 3rd September 1964.
Corporal Bryan Criddle BEM RAVC
(ADU NI RAVC) 22nd July 1973.
Lance Corporal Kenneth Michael Rowe RAVC (104 MWD Sp Unit) 24th July 2008.
Lance Corporal Liam Richard Tasker RAVC (1 MWD Regt) 1st March 2011.
The Collect of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps Many of our older readers will remember, perhaps with mixed feelings, the church parades. On such occasions when the local Corps unit was sponsoring the service, the RAVC Collect was included. For those who have forgotten it and for those who have ever heard it...The Collect is as follows:
‘O God who didst create man in thine own Image and gavest him dominion over every living thing, give wisdom and grace, we pray Thee, to Thy servants of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps, that we may guard these Thy creatures committed to our care against disease and suffering and promote their health and usefulness; and may ever declare both by word and example that the merciful man is kind to his beast, for His sake, who has told us that not one sparrow is forgotten before Thee, Jesus Christ our merciful redeemer. Amen.’
Private Alice Clayton and VS dog Tina from 102 MWD Sqn.
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