Page 17 - Chiron Calling Spring 2017

On 21st January 2017 fourteen personnel from the Defence Animal Training Regiment (DATR) deployed on EX Dragon Snowstorm to the resort of Val Thorens in France. The aim was to deliver a demanding and enjoyable distributive training package for unit personnel in order to qualify them in Ski Foundation 1.
There was a mix of all ranks including OC Canine Training Squadron, Maj Jay Rowlinson and DATR Adjutant, Capt Theo Gill. The exercise was to be conducted under the instruction of WO1 Steve Rotherham from 75 ENGR Regt and LCpl Dale McLinden of 1MWD Regt.
After months of diligent preparation by SSgt Daniel Martin, who regularly insisted that ‘this is not a holiday’, we found ourselves outside MT on a cold Saturday morning at 04:45 ready for the monstrous drive to the French Alps. It wasn’t until 01:00 the following morning that we actually arrived at the resort, only a little bit worse for wear but feeling grateful that we made it in one piece.
It was soon clear that SSgt Martin did an exceptional job in choosing the location that was to be our home for the next week. There would be no lugging of skis to the piste from our ski on / off accommodation, which was well situated for all to make use of the fabulous après ski which Val Thorens is famous for, as well as providing breath-taking views. It is located in the Tarentaise Valley, Savoie, and is the highest point in the 3 Vallées ski area at 2300m in altitude, the largest ski area in the world with over 600 kilometres of runs.
We collected our skis and boots the following morning and all took a leap of faith, hoping that those who had previously skied would rapidly get our ski legs back. It soon became obvious that some people had been over exaggerating about the amount of experience that they actually had! This deception soon became apparent as many of them spent quite some time chasing their skis down the slope.
After a few runs, we were split into two groups, divided between
the 2 instructors, a choice that we were unaware would shape the rest of our week. The majority took to skis like a duck to water, mastering parallel turns and pirouettes by the end of the 3rd day and smashing the black run! Some on the other hand weren’t so adept and were often seen snowballing down the piste, using their face as a brake.
We made the most of the clear blue skies and met each morning for a few hours of tuition before we found ourselves navigating our path across the valley. One group managing to head a little off course one day which resulted in a trudge back on foot much to the disappointment of SSgt Wright who would have gladly paid 10 euros to go on the cable car, but any excuse to stop off for a hot chocolate though.
There were a few opportunities to embrace the local atmosphere with a private showing from Afro Jack at the La Folie Douce and a dance in Malaysia meant everyone had chance to unwind in the evening from a tough day on the slopes. The last night saw the group come together for a leisurely meal to talk about their experiences and bring a fabulous week of AT to a close.
Adventurous Training is designed to expose people to fear and risk management and to build up individual and teamwork skills. It does this by placing you in situations that push you to your limits and beyond. Our week away encompassed all elements of the AT ethos by not only teaching us the necessary requisites to pass the course, allowing us to progress onto the next level of training, but by getting to know our peers on a level outside of the normal working sphere, promoting esprit de corps.
A special thanks goes to 1MWD Regt and 75 Engineer Regiment for releasing our instructors who delivered the excellent tuition, and to SSgt Martin for the weeks of preparation spent organising a successful trip.
EX Dragon Snowstorm
By LCpl Bradbury, CTS, Detection Section
Dear Editor,
I write this note for your
readers on behalf of my uncle Mr Don May who served in the RAVC as a Dog Trainer during WW2.
Mr Don W May was born on 28 March 1925 in Edenbridge, Kent. He grew up and went to school in Edenbridge.
Upon reaching the age of
18, he received his Calling
Papers in the middle of
WW2 and was ordered to
report for duty on 15 July
1943. He was sent to Fort
George in Scotland as a Private Soldier and after 16 weeks basic training he was allowed home on leave. On his return to Scotland following his well earned leave, he noticed on the Postings Board that
he was posted to 2nd Platoon in Sittingbourne in Kent for training for D Day. There was also another note on the same Notice Board asking if anyone was interested in training dogs. Don immediately applied for one of these posts and he was subsequently sent to Northolt in Potters Bar for training with dogs.
Don deployed on his 20th birthday rst to France, then to Belgium, Holland and nally in Germany. He rapidly became a fully
quali ed dog trainer and rose to the rank of Sergeant in 1944.
Don returned to England in February 1947 and was stationed in Melton Mowbray where he and three other Privates soldiers,
also dog handlers/trainers started the Dog School. He then left the Army in September 1947 to start a career on the railways as a line maintenance operator.
Don was married to Hilda and they had no children. He joined the Royal British Legion and kept his link with the military by taking part on all local parades and Remembrance activities. He use to keep in touch with a number of his service friends who have sadly all passed away.
Don May has also been in contact with Sam Perrie who is one of his old RAVC friends. Don would like to hear from anyone who worked with dogs during WW2 and anyone who lives in the Kent area and who would like to get in touch with him.
Please contact the Regimental Secretary for Don May’s details.
Yours sincerely,
Stephanie Hawthorn
RAVC World War 2 Dog Trainer – Don W May
CHIRON CALLING 15