ANZAC Day is going to be a little different this year with the COVID-19 situation, but it’s so important that we remember the servicemen and women who fought to keep our country safe in times of war — as well as acknowledge the ADF personnel who are currently serving overseas, and here in Australia as part of the COVID-19 effort.
Reflecting on my own experience in the Army, here’s a photo of a much thinner and fitter Clayton, taken in the Suai Markets in East Timor on 16 December 2001, shortly after the fledgling nation’s first democratic elections were held in August. Just over two years earlier, this town was utterly destroyed by pro-Indonesian militia, with up to 200 people killed at the Suai Church massacre on 6 September 1999. I’m proud of my Army time and I’m proud to have played a small part in Timor-Leste’s independence.
V0129101 “OPERATION TANAGER” 19 DEC 01
Pic By: CPL Mark Eaton
Suai-East Timor:
Captain Wehner with one of the locals at Suai market place. Captain Wehner is the Liaision Officer for Sector West, Suai
Background
More than 1500 Australian Defence Force personnel are serving in East Timor as part of the Peacekeeping Forces (PKF) of the United Nations Transitional Administration East Timor (UNTAET). Their role is to restore peace and security, ensuring a stable environment so the citizens of this new nation can go about their daily business of rebuilding their country.
The 2nd Battalion The Royal Australian Regiment (2RAR) known as The Second Battalion Group is the largest individual component of Australia’s contribution to operations. The group has just over 1000 personnel. With its headquarters in Balibo, the Group is responsible for patrolling more than 1800 square kilometres in the northern half of the western region, along the East Timor TCL (Tactical Coordination line, or border). The group contains elements from various Army units from all around Australia. At the core of the group are four infantry companies from theTownsville based 2RAR. The group also contains: Reconnaissance, support and administrative elements; light armoured vehicles from the 2nd Cavalry Regiment in Darwin; armoured personnel carriers from the 2/14th Queensland Mounted Infantry; a detachment of four Black Hawk helicopters from the 5th Aviation Regiment in Townsville; engineers, and tracker dogs from the Royal Australian Air Force and Army. Backing up the effort are logistical support elements, including transport, supply, maintenance, medical and dental.
