Page 25 - Chiron Calling Autum 2021/Spring 2022

Unveiling of Animal War Memorial in Fréthun, France on Saturday 11 September 2021
by Abby DuBaree, Regimental Secretary RAVC
On Saturday 11 September 2021, Colonel (Retd) Neil Smith and Lieutenant
Colonel Abby DuBaree attended
the unveiling of the NATO Animal War Memorial at Fréthun, in France. Col Neil Smith who was the last Chief Veterinary and Remount Officer for the British Army and Abby DuBaree, the Regimental Secretary RAVC represented the UK and the RAVC, whereas Col Smith also represented the Australian
War Animal Memorial Organisation (AWAMO) as their present Patron.
Fréthun, is a small village perched on the outskirts of the French coastline town of Calais and it has a memorial which is quite unique in Europe the NATO memorial carries on the contemporary tradition of paying homage to the men and women who have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty under the NATO flag.
The main event on Saturday
11 September was impeccably organised by Monsieur Willy Breton who is the President of the Fréthun Memorial Organisation (FMO) and a former member of the French Police Force who participated in three operations in Afghanistan.
The event was attended by around 600 people including
Defence Attachés based in France, local political leaders, officials
from embassies, representatives
of veteran organisations, Military representatives from NATO member countries, and the families of victims who fell whilst serving on a NATO mission. Also in attendance were associations from the UK, France, Germany, Canada, Czech Republics and Belgium to name but a few.
The main idea, which was echoed at the ceremony, was remembering the fallen and injured Armed Forces, Military Police and Gendarmerie personnel as well as the ultimate sacrifice they have paid to sustain peace in the world and support the partnership and cooperation of all nations, nationalities and religions. The importance of this message was underpinned in an initial multi- religious service, where priests from 5 different religions delivered their speeches.
Colonel Neil Smith made a speech firstly on behalf of Colonel Mark Morrison (The Chief Veterinary and Remount Officer for the UK Forces) who was unable to attend the event. He also represented Mr Nigel Allsop who is the President of AWAMO. Whereas Lt Col DuBaree made a speech in French to thank the organisers for
Laying of Purple Wreaths
including the UK and the RAVC in the ceremony.
Saturday 11 September 2021 was a poignant day being the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attack on the twin towers in New York.
Another main part of the event in Fréthun was the unveiling
of an Animal War Memorial in remembrance of the animals that have also sacrificed their lives and continue to support the forces in conflicts. Col Smith and Lt Col DuBaree unveiled the animal
war memorial that was funded by AWAMO. Other memorial stones were also unveiled by a Belgian and Czech delegation.
Although there are several memorials in the area of Calais and northern France for visitors to visit, the NATO War memorial in Fréthun that was unveiled in 2019 is well worth a visit.
Col Neil Smith, Patron of AWAMO
Cols Neil Smith and Abby DuBaree
AWAMO Memorial
Chiron Calling / 23