Page 15 - Chiron Calling Autumn 2019

Defence Animal Training Regiment Open Day – 20 Jul 19
With darkening skies and a damning weather report it was with bated breath that the Defence Animal Training Regiment (DATR) once more opened its doors to the public on 20 Jul 19 for the now biennial Open Day. Much has happened in the RAVC, and at the DATR, since the last Open Day with Centenary Parades, organisation renames and the allocation of a barracks name yet despite whatever we call ourselves, to the townsfolk of Melton Mowbray it remains the “Vet Camp Open Day” and it was hotly anticipated.
The day was centred around the main arena where Military Working Dog and Horse capability displays were well received (especially the Dog races!), and the crowds were entertained by WW1 re-enactors, a Tent-pegging display and a superb musical interlude by the Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Rutland Army Cadets Corps of Drums. An unfortunate incident involving the Gun Team of the Kings’ Troop Royal Horse Artillery saw the horses spook and despite significant damage to the gun carriage, all troops and horses were unhurt and walked out to a huge round of applause in recognition of their superb professionalism.
The day also showed the work of the Unit’s three Squadrons with veterinary displays, pack animal capability demos, and a ‘canine training village’ all big hits. There were also many stands and demos from cadet organisations and
'The day was centred around the main arena where Military Working Dog and Horse capability displays were well received'
By Maj Drew Tootal RAVC
from local animal related charities. The public also got a rare chance to meet some of the British Army’s mascots and see the inspiring work of bomb disposal operatives courtesy of the Defence Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Munitions and Search Training Regiment. Other big crowd pleasers were the magnificent dogs and demo provided by the West Midlands Police, and the day was rounded off by a flypast from a Douglas C-47 Dakota from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight which arrived just before the heavens opened.
The Open Day is a huge logistical undertaking for a relatively small Unit, and Community Engagement can be seen as an annoying and irrelevant use of military time yet we should never underestimate the warmth with which the military is held by the public, how much they value events such as Open Days, and the long lasting bonds of friendship that the events can create. The aim was to provide an entertaining and informative day to the public and the Unit delivered in spades!
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