East Timor Scrapbook

In early September, four members of RNZRSA's National Executive Committee were invited by CDF to spend a few days with NZBATT6, the last rotation of New Zealand troops to be deployed to East Timor.

KIWIS GREETING KIWIS: On arrival at Suai, a ceremony featuring a traditional powhiri and haka surpassed all previous experience.		GETTING TO KNOW YOU: After the formal greeting, the RNZRSA delegation, together with other visitors to the Suai Headquarters, were greeted in a much more informal way.

The visit gave Northland District President Archie Dixon, Nelson-Marlborough-Westland District President Peter Callahan, Auckland District President Alan Anderson and the Ex-Royal Navalmen's Association representative Trevor Wylde, a chance to see firsthand what New Zealand's Defence commitments in East Timor were all about and an opportunity to gauge the morale and wellbeing of the servicemen and women involved.

FOR THE RECORD: The RNZRSA team with NZBATT6's commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Baigent. From left; Trevor Wylde, Peter Callahan, RSM WO1Edwards, Archie Dixon, Alan Anderson and Lieutenant Colonel Baigent.

Made to feel very welcome at the many locations they visited, the RNZRSA team was most impressed with the professionalism of all ranks who showed much diligence in all their undertakings and appeared to maintain a very high standard of fitness. The troops indicated to the visitors that they felt privileged to be part of a very prestigious unit.

New Zealand Battalion Group 6 (NZBATT6) which includes engineer elements and armoured personnel carriers from Queen Alexandra's Mounted Rifles has its headquarters in Suai and operates in the Cova Lima District of the new sovereign state of East Timor. Within the battalion group are troops from Fiji, Ireland and Singapore.

NZBATT6's role is to provide security for the Cova Lima District, monitor the border with Indonesian West Timor and assist with civil development in healthcare, civil engineering and agriculture. Its peacekeeping duties are primarily concerned with external security and border control. The ground force is assisted by a detachment from No 3 Squadron RNZAF flying UH1-H helicopters.

GENTLY DOES IT: A 3 Squadron RNZAF Iroquois helicopter puts down at Gate Pa.		SHAKE, RATTLE AND ROLL: Kiwi Army engineers repair the isolated road to Belulik Letan.

During their short stay, the team visited Junction Point Foxtrot, the main checkpoint between East Timor and the Indonesian sector of the island and flew with 3 Squadron to outlying camps at Gate Pa and Tilomar.

KEEPING VIGIL: Private Andre Smith mans the sangar at Junction Point Echo.		BORDER CROSSING: NZBATT6 troops checkout the passengers and load of a truck attempting to enter East Timor from Indonesian West Timor at Junction Point Foxtrot.

One of the major outcomes of the RNZRSA visit to East Timor was a strengthening of the resolve to ensure that those who leave the Services will benefit from the work that RSA does for ex-servicemen and women.

The New Zealand Defence Force deployment to East Timor will cease operations on 15 November 2002 when NZBATT6 and 3 Squadron Detachment pack their bags for the return home after a Kiwi presence in the country of three years. Their place in the United Nations force will be taken by a Thai Battalion with Singaporean helicopters taking over 3 Squadron's duties. The withdrawal is part of a general scaling down of the number of peacekeeping troops in East Timor as security responsibilities are handed over to the new government of the country.

EARLY START: In dawn's golden glow New Zealand soldiers prepare their gear for a green patrol along the wooded slopes around Belulik Letan.		UN OUTPOST: With an armed escort, members of the RNZRSA party inspect the operation at Tilomar.

Photographs by RNZAF photographers Sgt Kevin Randles and LAC Caroline Mitchell.