Page 39 - Chiron Spring 2018

ROYAL ARMY VETERINARY CORPS FORECAST OF EVENTS FOR 2018
Fri 27 Apr Tue 22 May
Wed 9 May Mon 25 Jun
Sun 01 Jul Fri 27 Jul Sat 28 Jul
Mon 10 Sep TBC
TBC
Thu 8 Nov
Sun 11 Nov TBC Nov
Fri 23 Nov Tue 27 Nov
RAVC Council Meeting – Camberley
RAVC Association Committee of Management Meeting - DATR
RAVC Centenary Dinner – St James Palace 222nd Anniversary of John Shipp Day (Formation of the RAVC)
RAVC Association Morning Service & Curry Lunch at Royal Hospital, Chelsea
RAVC Centenary Parade – Through the town of Melton Mowbray
RAVC Association Reunion – Service 1645 hrs. Dinner 1930 hrs
RAVC Mgmt Ctee Meeting 1500 hrs. RAVC Assoc AGM 1800 hrs
RAVC Offrs Club AGM 1830 hrs.CVO Fireside Discussion 1845 hrs
Closing date for articles for Chiron Calling – Autumn/Winter 18 Edition
Commander’s Challenge Shield Competition – North Luffenham
Annual Golf Meeting – Melton Mowbray Field of Remembrance Service – Westminster Abbey London
Remembrance Service and Cenotaph Parade – London
Animals in War Memorial Service – London (TBC)
RAVC Council Meeting – Camberley RAVC Centenary Day Celebration - DATR
A MOVING REMINDER OF THE EXTRAORDINARY BOND BETWEEN MAN AND HORSE IN THE FACE OF ADVERSITY
Over 6 million horses played a role in The Great War;
the British Army alone used almost 1.2 million. Donations from the patrons of the Home of Rest for Horses (now The Horse Trust), supported horses at the front but with the war producing untold numbers of wounded men and horses, Committee Members made an inspired gift to the Army Veterinary Service (AVS) of the world’s first motorised horse ambulance. Expressing his gratitude, Director General of the AVS Major- General Pringle wrote “It will prove of the greatest value
to the Veterinary Hospital Overseas...” Prescient words; it was so effective that 13 more motorised ambulances were procured and, by the end of the war, over 2 million horses were successfully treated.
The Horse Trust has specialised in providing respite and retirement for British working horses since the 1880’s and has worked in partnership with Army veterinarians since those early days. The first equine veterans retired to their Home of Rest at the end of the Boer conflict and to this day the Trust and the Royal Army Veterinary Corps (RAVC) are in regular contact planning the retirement needs of serving horses.
In commemoration of
The Great War, and as
a reminder of the bond between man and horse in the face of adversity, the Trust commissioned sought-after artist, George Bingham to create a fitting tribute. The bronze portrays the removal of the saddle for the last time
as the horses’ Army career ends. The statue will provide a focal point for reflection
for visitors to The Horse Trust. Contributions towards our special commemoration fund are welcomed. A limited edition of 25 maquettes will be available for purchase. To contribute to the fund or
to express an interest in a maquette contact The Horse Trust on 01494 488464.
Our new RAVC Royal Hospital Chelsea in-pensioner Sgt David Hathorn meeting Prince Harry at the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey in November 2017.
CHIRON CALLING 37