Page 10 - Chiron Calling Autumn/Winter 2022

Defence Animal Training Regiment
Open Day
The Commanding Officer, Defence Animal Training Regiment has organised the next Open Day for Saturday 29th July 2023.
Readers will know the Regiment stands proudly on the edge of Melton Mowbray, and with over a hundred years of association with the town, the DATR is throwing open our doors once again to demonstrate its very successful, and its tremendous role in the defence of this country.
As always there will be a number of fantastic demonstrations in
the main arena and informative displays around the site. The DATR recognise other organisations and charities that we work alongside and partner with. Some benefit Military Working Animals directly, through the provision of advanced veterinary care or rehoming support to our retiring horses and dogs.
There will be plenty for visitors to see and get involved with, for example being able to explore
the Veterinary Hospital to see the unique way they support Defence’s Military Working Animals.
The DATR hope all visitors will find the Open Day both a fun and informative and that everyone can walk away proud of its Service personnel, and all our Civilian
staff, that work tirelessly in support of this country and its working animals. Your continued support is greatly appreciated.
The Open Day also provides a great opportunity for members of the public and veterans to meet, reacquaint and spend time with
our serving and retired members from the RAVC, RAF, HCMR, KT RHA and Civil Service. The Defence Animal Training Regiment looks forward to welcoming you on Saturday 29th July 2023.
Junior Officer
Development Day
– London
By Lt Brett Noden RAVC 1 MWD Regt 105 Sqn.
On 8th June 2022 Junior and Senior Officers from 1 MWD Regt travelled to London to conduct Junior Officer training, with the aim of bolstering knowledge of the wider Army and Defence as
well as RAVC roles and future career options.
Throughout the day we learnt about the roles and responsibilities of
the Veterinary Officers who support the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment (HCMR) and the Kings Troop Royal Horse Artillery (KTRHA). A tour of HCMR enabled us to observe the outputs that they produce for the RAVC. My highlight of the day was being able to watch the Queen’s Lifeguard mount in Hyde Park, followed by lunch in the HCMR Officers’ Mess.
Shortly after lunch we travelled to the Animals in War Memorial where I, along with other Junior Officers, delivered presentations outlining the use of animals in previous conflicts and the impact of the RAVC, ranging from the use of dogs to pigeons. I was intrigued to learn about Able Seacat Simon, who received the Dickin Medal for his bravery and gallantry following his defeat of a vicious rat known as “Mao Tse-tung.”
The day concluded with a tour of MOD, Whitehall, were we received a brief that outlined the interdisciplinary work that is carried out by Military and Civil Servant staff to contribute to Defence.
A great day was had by all as in addition to the knowledge gained it provided an opportunity for team cohesion between the Officers within 1 MWD Regt, especially over the dinner at Wahaca, Covent Garden.
1 MWD Regt Officers, from left to right: Maj Graham Harvey, Lt Col Claire Budge, Capt James Mursell, Capt Sue Roberts, Lt Jasmine Kirlew, Capt Mary Pearson, Capt Emma Lane-Ley, Capt Bryony Whittaker, Lt Brett Noden, Lt Emily Marriot, Capt Karen Pettit & Maj Paul Browne.
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