Page 8 - Chiron Issue 2 2014

I’ve been the OCM at DAC for a couple of years now, and as a former commissioned chaplain (albeit in the RAF!), I’m really enjoying being a part of life in the world of animals and their carers. Thank you for the welcome you have given me and I hope that I can continue to bring some small contribution to your world which is so vital in today’s military world. I’ve enjoyed taking the annual Reunion Corps Day service, and also had the privilege of participating in the dedication of the lovely memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum this year. Our annual “Christmas Day” carol service is also good fun and sets the tone for the following celebrations of the season.
On August 4 we also gathered at St Leonard’s church, Sysonby, which has become our unofficial unit church, to mark the centenary of the moment when the Great War began. The little 14th century church was packed and as the lights were progressively dimmed until 11pm there was a real sense of connection with our forebears
of 100 years ago who set off to do their duty, just as many of us are asked to do today. We owe them a great deal as a nation still, and as their successors in a military world we too do what we can to keep the nation and the world a safer place, although sometimes at a very high cost.
“The more I see of people, the better I like my dog” goes an old saying, and I’m sure it applies to our equine friends just as well. It’s a real pleasure to see our beautiful glossy horses having a well-earned rest in the country from their ceremonial duties in London – starting with a good roll on the grass/mud (depending on the weather!) - and the care and concern for their well-being is wonderful to behold. Everyone plays a part, and I hope I can continue to give what support I can to you all.
Keep the faith,
Padre Brian McAvoy.
PA(w)DRE’S Patter
Equine Training Squadron Show Jumping Team
Cpl Moore RAVC
Life continued apace at the Equine Training Squadron as show- jumping teams were assembled for the Combined Services Championships (CSEC) at Addington Manor at the start of May.
Two teams from the Defence Animal Centre competed, with the B team gaining a very respectable 5th place from 17 teams. This secured our places for both teams to compete at the Royal Windsor Horse show. So, a fortnight later, after a very early start, horses and riders made their way to Windsor for the big event. Everyone travelled down the day before and with the horses happily settled at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst nearby, riders spent a long but entertaining afternoon running the tent-pegging competition.
After turning the horses in that evening we retired before an early start on Saturday morning (0330 hrs Reveille!). Saturday morning was glorious and sunny and the Services Cup competition went (mostly) without a hitch and although neither DAC team were in contention for a prize, a grand time was had by all.
As a newcomer to show-jumping it was an amazing experience for me which was topped off by the parade of teams in front of Her Majesty, The Queen in the afternoon, another very proud day.
Royal Windsor Horse Show R-L: Capt. Payne (Herstmonceaux), CoH Glass (Group Captain), SCpl Betts (Illusion), Cpl Moore (El Alamein)
102 Millitary Working Dog Squadron Visit to Auschwitz and Birkenau Prisoner of War Camps
On Wednesday 5th of February 2013, 27 members of 102 Millitary Working Dog Squadron (102 MWD Sqn) embarked on a cultural and historical trip to the Auschwitz and Birkenau Prisoner of War camps in Poland. To get there the troops had to first surrender themselves to the fact that a long journey on minibuses would be endured. After a gruelling 11 hour journey, we finally made it in one piece at the beautiful and historic city of Krakow. A quick dinner was enjoyed before a well deserved rest in preparation for an early start the following morning.
The coach met the members of the excursion first thing, and drove them along with the tour guide to the first stop of the day Auschwitz Concentration Camp. The group was filled with a variety of emotions, with many wondering exactly what they would find on arrival. The 8 hour long
Lt Zmitrowicz, RLC 102 MWD Sqn
experience was filled with tours around the accommodation, the displays full of clothing, hair and other articles, and lastly the horrific environment that was the gas chambers where millions of people lost their lives. It was a particularly sombre event for everyone with all members experiencing something completely new. The tour guide was excellent, speaking fluent English and bringing every room to life. He pitched it at just the right level and ensured that everyone had an educational day.
One aspect that seemed to strike most of the troops was the sheer size of the camps, it made everyone realise just how many people lost their lives in the tragedy of WW2. It was difficult to comprehend the numbers of people that lived, worked and were eventually murdered in the grounds. It was sad, however, it is extremely important,
that visitors keep going to Auschwitz, and try to understand what happened there. Only by remembering the lives that were lost there will it safeguard the hope that a catastrophe like this will never occur again. Although an intense and sad experience; it was thoroughly enjoyed by all and is recommended to everyone.
After such a draining day the 102 MWD Sqn soldiers decided that a team night out was well deserved and they ventured in to Krakow square, sampling the delights it had to offer. A delicious dinner was had at one of the range of restaurants before most were ready for bed! The next day was a more heart warming affair, the soldiers took the opportunity for a cultural tour around Krakow, some by horse and carriage. It was important to end the trip on a high and everyone returned from the 3 day event feeling positive.
8 Chiron Calling