Page 11 - Chiron Calling Autumn/Winter 2022

HRH visit to DATR
by Capt Payne, DATR Adjutant.
On the 27th April 2022, Her Royal Highness (HRH), The Princess Royal, Colonel
in Chief of the RAVC, visited the Defence Animal Training Regiment (DATR), for the formal opening of the new Canine Training Squadron (CTS) Headquarters and training facilities.
HRH was joined by many
notable visitors, including the Lord Lieutenant Mr Mike Kapoor MBE and High Sheriff Ms Mehmooda Duke MBE. Additionally, several senior military staff were in attendance; notably the RS+AVC Col Commandant, Lt Gen Roly Walker DSO and the Chief Veterinary Remount Officer, Col Mark Morrison QHVS. HRH is
a frequent patron of the DATR, having supported the DATR in all its guises since 1972. With the new CTS Headquarters and training facilities, having already won the Army Safety and Environmental Award for its sustainability and net carbon zero output; the formal opening by HRH was the icing on the cake for this state-of-the-art development.
The visit highlighted partnerships that the DATR have built over the
years. Notably, this included the Lord Lieutenant Cadets, who have taken a key role in meeting and greeting Civil Servant staff within many prominent VVIP Visits.
This was a proud moment for the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), who efficiently managed the new CTS Headquarters and training facility development. It was also a memorable occasion for all DATR staff, civic dignitaries, and the surrounding community.
The visit integrated many aspects; WO1 Paul Jobling RAVC and WO John Tanner RAFP, were presented with their Meritorious Service Medals. This is a significant personal achievement and an honour for it to be presented by HRH. Following a meet and greet with DATR staff, HRH and all in attendance were provided with a ‘Melton Lunch’; this included a specially made Brockleby Pork Pie that was embossed with the HRH cypher.
Upon completion of lunch, HRH travelled to CTS for the formal opening, which included the planting of the ‘Queens Green Canopy’. This gave HRH a chance
to tour all the new CTS facilities
and speak too many of the CTS instructors and trainees. HRH viewed presentation stands from on-site partners, including DIO and Defence Science and Technology Laboratories, and external partnerships, such as the Dogs Trust, University of Nottingham and Brooksby Campus (SMB Group). The DATR were proud to showcase their organisational partnerships amongst a mix of military and civil servant attendees.
Maj Sean Jones RAVC, Officer Commanding CTS, noted: “The
last time HRH visited us, was to open the new CTS kennels. Now both our Military Working Dogs and our staff are within modern working accommodation. The Defence Animal Training Regiment continues to provide innovative training to ensure we meet the needs of our customers. This includes the animals we train, their handlers and those responsible for their care. We continue to strive
for excellence in our veterinary care and to ensure that we resettle our Military Working Animals effectively for retirement in a suitable home.”
The visit was a resounding success with HRH, who concluded her visit with the presentation of a posy of flowers from the daughter of SSgt Joe Jones RAVC, Delilah. SSgt Jones was key in the orchestration of the new development and the monitoring of its progression. SSgt Jones son, Liam, also presented HRH with a special Royal Melton Mowbray ‘doggy bag’ containing local produce.
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