Vets working in conflict and war - we want your stories

With Remembrance Sunday just gone by, those in the armed forces are at the forefront of many people’s minds. 

Many veterinary surgeons went to the front in two World Wars and other campaigns, and continue to serve today as members of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps, or as soldiers within the Territorial Army.

As part of a project called ‘Vets in Conflict and War,’ the RCVS Charitable Trust is looking to borrow memorabilia such as diaries and photographs from those who have taken part in past conflicts, or from their families.

An exhibition of relevant material from the Trust’s historical collection is being considered, in which this memorabilia would be included.

The Trust also encourages veterinary surgeons who have served in the armed forces to email with stories about their experiences.

These stories will be included in any exhibition and selected accounts may be explored as part of our Life in Practice oral history project.

"Veterinary surgeons have been serving in the British Army for over 200 years," says Colonel Neil Smith, Director of the Army Veterinary and Remount Services, and an RCVS Council member.

"They have made, and continue to make, a vital contribution to military operations, often in difficult and challenging places.

"Many will have interesting stories to tell. Getting on record the stories of these former soldiers is an important project and one which I very much support."

Please contact us by email [email protected], or speak to Clare Boulton, on 020 7202 0752.

Photo: Captain Becky Hart of the RAVC, one of the latest generation of army vets, treats livestock in Afghanistan (photo courtesy Corp Gary Kendall RLC)