Page 3 - Chiron Spring 2018

Chiron Calling
Editor:
Lt Col Abby DuBaree Regimental Secretary RAVC
RHQ AMS
Robertson House
Slim Road, Camberley, GU15 4NP Tel (01276) 412749
Fax (01276) 412793
E-Mails: regtsecravc@hotmail.co.uk or abby.dubaree623@mod.uk
Editorial team:
Major Emma Jude, Major Iain Rose, WO1 (RSM) David Blackmore and SSgt Craig Woodall.
As we commemorate the centenary of the Royal Warrant for the Royal Army Veterinary Corps, the main theme in this edition of Chiron Calling is the involvement of the Army Veterinary Corps in World War One.
You will find a number of articles related to WW1 and the great contribution and achievements for the AVC in saving the lives of around a million horses and mules during the war. There are some interesting articles in this edition that reflect on the evolution of the Corps over the 100 years. Dr Graham Winton and Major Paul Skelton-Stroud look at many aspects of Corps during WW1 and how we have progressed since. The article from The Horse Trust describes the bond between the soldiers and their horses and also about their tradition of taking in retired military horses which started before WW1. All these articles make very good reading.
Much work has been completed as we continue to organise all the events to mark the Centenary. The Centenary Dinner in the presence of HRH The Princess Royal, Colonel in Chief of the RAVC took place at St James’s Palace on Wednesday 9 May 2018 in the presence of HRH The Princess Royal, Colonel in Chief of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps. 130 officers, seniors and their partners/friends attended this dinner which was a resounding success. More on this event in the Autumn edition of Chiron Calling.
Great effort is being made by all concerned in preparation for the Centenary Parade through the town of Melton Mowbray on Friday 27 July 2018. The work we have completed so far in collaboration with all the local agencies involved has been most encouraging. In order to minimise the pressure on all concerned, we have brought the Corps Reunion forward from its usual date in
September to Saturday 28 July 2018 to coincide with the Centenary Parade on the day before at Melton Mowbray. Being a public event, there is no need for anyone interested to make any reservations. However, those wishing to attend the Reunion on Saturday 28 July 2018 should book early as this year’s Reunion is proving to be popular. Please see the website for more information.
We said goodbye to Corps RSM Stuart Rowles who retired in early 2018 and we welcome WO1 Gregg Cunningham as the new Corps RSM. For those who do not know CRSM Cunningham, there is a short pen picture on him in this edition.
Finally, it is with great pleasure that we congratulate our Colonel Commandant, on his recent promotion to Major General. Maj Gen Roly Walker recently moved to London on his appointment as Director Special Forces. We wish Gen Roly, his wife Kate and their daughters the very best in their new role.
EDITORIAL
Cover photos:
Left - Military Working Dog 'Mali' with his Dickin Medal
Middle - RAVC In-Pensioner David Hathorn meeting HRH Prince Harry at Westminster Abbey
Right - WW1 image
Chief Veterinary Officer’s Foreword .......................... 2
The Royal Army Veterinary Corps Evolution to Maturity – an Overview ............................................ 2
Silent Soldiers Animals in The Great War.................. 6 Memorials Silent Soldiers ...................................... 13
Cranfield University – Role of Horses in WW1 Project................................................................... 14
Top Dog: Mali Awarded Centenary PDSA Dickin Medal on the Charity’s Very Special Birthday ......... 16
Melton Mowbray Parade WW1 .............................. 17 The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst .................. 18
Defence Science and Technology Laboratory Training.................................................................. 19
Reviving Pack Animal Transportation ..................... 20 The Shock of the Military ...................................... 21 Dog Trainer Qualification Course............................ 22 RAVC Veterinary Clinical Skills Training Event ......... 23 Life in the WRAC at the RAVC Training Centre ....... 24
Joan Hart’s 100th Birthday Ride ............................ 25
Inspired by the RAVC Reserves ............................. 26
Kosovo April 2002 – My First Tour ........................ 27
Kosovo – Jan – Jul 2002 ....................................... 28
New Zealand Animal War Memorial ....................... 29
AMS Netball Tour 2017.......................................... 30
Welcome to new RAVC Corps RSM ...................... 31
101 MWD Sqn Reserves “Biathlon” Event ............. 31
Richard Holmes ex-RAVC...................................... 32
RAVC Junior NCO Cadre in 1983 .......................... 32
Dog training in the early 1950s and Memories of Malaya 1951 – 22399925 Clive Nicklas RAVC ...... 33
WE REMEMBER.................................................... 34
OBITUARIES ......................................................... 35
NOTICES............................................................... 36
Royal Army Veterinary Corps Forecast Of Events For 2018...................................................................... 37
The Museum of Military Medicine Shop ................. 39
CONTENTS
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Published on behalf of the Corps by Crest Publications, 12 Brooklands Court, Kettering Venture Park, Kettering, Northants NN15 6FD. Telephone: 01536 317000 jayne@crestpublications.com www.crestpublications.com
CHIRON CALLING 1