Page 532 - The History of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps 1962–2021

THE HISTORY OF THE ROYAL ARMY VETERINARY CORPS 1962 – 2021
On promotion to Lieutenant Colonel in October 2010 he was posted to Headquarters 2nd Medical Brigade as SO1 Support. During July 2011, Chris was assigned to Engineer in Chief (Army) Headquarters as the SO1 MWD as the Project Manager for the successful Canine Detect – Urgent Operational Requirement for Op HERRICK. His final Regular assignment was to the Army Headquarters as SO1 MWD, running numerous projects concerning MWDs, having oversight of all assurance procedures. Lt Col Ham was also the UK’s key adviser for the NATO Military Working Dog Expert Panel and also advised the Colombian Armed Forces amongst other nations on the use of detection dogs.
On completion of his Regular Army Service in October 2014, Chris promptly joined the Army Reserve in 2015; being selected and appointed as the first Officer Commanding 101 MWD Reserve Squadron with the 1st Military Working Dog Regiment RAVC. In November 2019, he assumed the post of SO2 RAVC Reserves and in July 2020
was assigned to the Army Reserve Recruiting Assurance Team until October 2021. Lt Col Ham’s final appointment was the SO1 assisting with Project VICTORIA, the review of the Army Medical Services. This appointment reflected the ever-evolving role of Corps’ personnel in its relationship with the AMS. Lt Col Ham’s career began with MWDs and the dogs remained a constant throughout his service. Indeed, his recognition and respect for the partnership of the dog and handler prompted his promotion of and support for lifesaving MWDs to be nominated for the PDSA Dickin Medal – the animals’ Victoria Cross – in recognition of their courage in conflict.
With 44 years RAVC uniformed service, 37 years as a Regular spanning Pte to Lt Col and nearly 7 years as an RAVC Reserve, Lt Col Chris Ham MBE RAVC, was well placed to write the narrative of the RAVC history 1962 – 2021.
Chris during his career has been loyally supported by Susan and their sons Michael and Jeremy.
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