Page 98 - The History of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps 1962–2021

THE HISTORY OF THE ROYAL ARMY VETERINARY CORPS 1962 – 2021
the northern (Turkish Cypriot controlled) and southern (Greek Cypriot controlled) parts of the island. Others are located in the Turkish area of the island; in particular King Leopold Camp occupied by the Danish Contingent (DANCON) in Famagusta. It was reported as strange that, that year, there seemed to be more taskings for AUSCON and CANCON than BRITCON.
The OC, Major Brian Corrigan, acted as the advisor for all veterinary matters for UN forces in Cyprus (UNFICYP), UN Forces in Lebanon (UNFIL) and UN Demilitarised Observer Force (UNDOF) the latter being located in the Golan Heights. Companion animal clinics were added too and were held at UN HQ based in Nicosia. Major Corrigan was also the leading member of the UNPA (UN Protected Area) Conversation Committee, an interesting project concerned with re-introducing European pheasants and generally increasing the game bird population. The UNPA, and the entire buffer zone being game reserves in which shooting (as a sport) was strictly forbidden. It was reported that due to a change in Policy, UN status was no longer being granted to those not on the posted strength of UNFICYP and so UN ID cards were withdrawn from CDASU members. The OC fought hard to have this policy reversed but with legal and technical ramifications this did not happen. Charter duties continued as before but CDASU personnel were, as said previously, not allowed to wear the UN uniform or Blue Beret. The RAVC in Cyprus was proud to wear the uniform and it was reported that two members – Major Corrigan and Sgt Paul Coleman – were awarded the UN Medal for Services to peace.20
A special visit from The Princess Royal in 1988 boosted spirits in Cyprus, especially for Cpls Roger Tredwell and Alan Inkpen, who not only met Her Royal Highness, they spent several busy days helping to ensure the safety of the Royal Party with their Search dogs. 21
The Army Depot Police were later renamed as SBA Police, being a mix of nationalities and religions, which co-existed very well, making it a multi-national force in its own right. The ADP had an OC, two Inspectors, ten Station Sergeants, eight visiting Sergeants and seventy-six dog handlers, as well as forty-four static Constables completing duties in compounds. The Force was established in 1952 and was then known as the War Department Auxiliary Police (Cyprus). At that time there were about fifty thousand British troops
20 Chiron Calling November 1988.
21 Ibid.
22 Chiron Calling dated November 1987. 23 Ibid.
on the island! In 1960 the force name changed to War Department Police (Cyprus) and four years later to Army Department Police and in 1968 to Army Depot Police. Their primary objective was to prevent crime, protect installations and property such as Air House and Flagstaff House, the then homes of Commander and Deputy Commander British Forces Cyprus.
The Unit also provided security patrols on static installations and VPs, as well as operating traffic control on MOD property. The current strength of the ADP in late 1989 was one hundred and forty personnel and thirty-six dogs in two detachments at Episkopi and Dhekelia, releasing soldiers for other duties. Many of the ADP serving at that time earned and wore the GSM and served between 1955 – 1959 in the EOKA Campaign and in the 1974 troubles in Cyprus. Constable Louca Agathangelos, otherwise known as ‘Aggis’ or ‘the Captain’, who had served in the RAVC Cyprus Unit for 27 years, finally hung up the lead and retired. And that’s what we call long and loyal service.22
An increase in the use of AES and Drugs dogs was evident to Cyprus DASU by 1987. The dogs were working in support of UN troops as well as being part of the generally increased activity in the SBA. Nevertheless, the Unit continued to provide a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme for dependent children of the SBA troops as well as assisting Girl Guides and Scouts in their proficiency awards. The community spirit in the Unit meant there was always time for recreation; Sgt Paul Coleman with Sgt Dave Sawyer undertook the 18 mile Cyprus walkdown – which, by all accounts was a bit deceiving as it seemed all uphill. Cpl Roger Tredwell went one better and completed the 60 mile Cyprus Walkabout.23
Supporting the community and as far back as 1942, meat inspection duties were also assigned to the Corps; a task which has remained a respon- sibility of the RAVC Veterinary Officer in Cyprus to the present day – ‘To maintain a professionally motivated and experienced nucleus of dedicated personnel capable of meeting the above aims and providing the service required of it’.
A weekly pork check was conducted every Tuesday as Major Brian Corrigan RAVC travelled the 60 miles from Episkopi to Larnaca on a vital mission that ensured the health of British soldiers and their families in Cyprus, UN troops on the Island and UN contingents in the Lebanon and
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