ISSN: 2203-8507
OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE UNITED NATIONS & OVERSEAS POLICING ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA
28th EDITION
Class 110 50 year reunion
APRIL 2017
Howard went it alone on islands
PageTrue 2 Blue - April 2017Page 3
Australian Peacekeeping Memorial update
Bougainville celebrates 15 years of peace
Australian Police withdrawal from Cyprus
Page 4
Page 7
Page 9
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The United Nations & Overseas Policing Association of Australia, (UNOPAA) is an Australian incorporated, non profit organisation whose members are both serving or retired Police Officers from Police Forces throughout Australia who have served or are serving with United Nations or AFP International Deployment Group (IDG) Peacekeeping Forces throughout the world! TRUE BLUE is posted to its members throughout Australia and worldwide to where AFP IDG are serving. Our magazine contains welfare, legislative and social information relevant to the well being and camaraderie of UNOPAA members who have, or are serving in Australia’s National Interest. Aims of the UNOPAA: 1. To maintain and foster the memory of UNOPAA members killed whilst serving with United Nations Forces or IDG. 2. To provide welfare, legal and financial support where and when appropriate to members. 3. To promote social occasions such as Reunions, etc., including United Nations and Anzac Day Marches. 4. To pursue and lobby industrial, legal and political avenues, when necessary in order to improve the welfare and industrial benefits to our members. We acknowledge the assistance of Countrywide Austral Pty Ltd, who, in conjunction with the UNOPAA, have made the publication and distribution of ‘TRUE BLUE’ magazine possible! Your financial contribution to the publication of our magazine is greatly appreciated. Denis Percy OAM True Blue Editor Email adress. ozpercy@bigpond.com.au Telephone 0419 422801 or 02 89014606
Official Publisher: Countrywide Austral Pty Ltd, Level 2, 310 King Street, Melbourne VIC 3001 Ph: 03 9937 0200 • Fax: 03 9937 0201 • Email: admin@cwaustral.com.au ABN: 83 146 901 797
UNOPAA Contacts National PRESIDENT Mr Mick Travers APM Tel: 02 6131 4749 Mobile: 0418 297 086 Email: Michael.Travers@afp.gov.au National Vice Present Mr Rod Walker 2 Hudson Place Jerrabomberra NSW 2619 Tel: 02 6255 9445 Mobile: 0411 953 966 Email: enidandrod@tpg.com.au National Vice President Mr Dale Cooper RFD PO Box 7099 Karabar NSW 2620 Mobile: 0418 266 033 Email: Dale.Cooper@afp.gov.au National SECRETARY/TREASURER Mr Peter McDonald APM 83 Prospect Drive East Keilor Vic 3033 Tel: 03 9337 4736 Mobile: 0418 131 352 Email: vp14970@gmail.com
NSW State President: Interim - Laurie Lucas Lake Illawarra Local Area Command 6 Pioneer Drive, Oak Flats NSW Tel: 02 4232 5599 Mobile: 0411 051 904 Email: 22733@police.nsw.gov.au Victoria State President: Shaun Young Knox Police Complex, 414 Burwood Highway, Wantirna South VIC 3152 Tel. (03) 9881 7061 Mobile: 0438 508 229 Email: shaun.young@police.vic.gov.au Queensland State President: John Walker Unit 7, 51 Grand Parade, Parrearra QLD 4575 Tel: 07 5437 6587 Mobile 0412 789 457 Email: whiskeywalker@flexinet.com.au South Australia State President: Garry Casey 40 Yarrabee Road, Greenhill SA 5140 Tel: 08 8390 3568 Mobile: 0488 188 449 Email: garry.casey@police.sa.gov.au
Tasmania State President: Robbie Dunn 35 Winston Avenue Seven Mile Beach Tas 7170 Tel: 03 6248 7820 Mobile: 0419 145 537 Email: robbiedunn1111@bigpond.com.au Western Australia State President: Darcy Boylan 21 Templemore Drive Heathridge WA 6027 Tel: 08 9402 0030 Mobile: 0408 120 299 Email: darc.boylan@police.wa.gov.au Northern Territory President: Allan Mitchell 5 Eureka Court Anula NT 0812 Tel: 08 8927 2676 Mobile: 0417 804 546 Email: almitch@bigpond.com.au National Research Mr Norm Webber PO Box 179 Tea Gardens NSW 2324 Tel: 02 4997 2431 Email: npwebbertg6@bigpond.com
Contents Class 110 50 Year Reunion........................................................................... 2
Cyprus withdrawal registration forms.................................................... 12
Howard went it alone on islands................................................................ 3
Hobart reunion – October 2017.............................................................. 14
Australian Peacekeeping Memorial Update............................................. 4
Hobart reunion registration forms.......................................................... 15
Bougainville celebrates 15 years of peace................................................ 7
John William Rice.......................................................................................... 19
Australian Police Withdrawal from Cyprus............................................. 9
Vale....................................................................................................................22
Event program................................................................................................ 11
Membership Renewal or Application Forms.........................................23
Views and opinions expressed in this journal are not necessarily those of the United Nations & Overseas Policing Association of Australia, the editor, the publisher or printer. “True Blue” is published by Countrywide Austral Pty Ltd, Melbourne from funds supplied by advertisers in this magazine. Please support our advertisers and their products.
True Blue - April 2017
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Class 110 50 year reunion
W
ent to the 50 Year Reunion of our Class 110 sworn in 3-4-67. The reunion was held at the 99 On York Club (old Bowlers Club), 99 York Street, Sydney. Can highly recommend the venue. Central and oh so easy to get to. Simply get off the train at Town Hall, exit north through the Queen Victoria Building into Market Street, turn left and walk a block up the hill to York Street, turn right and it is 100 metres on your left. Buy your own drinks and you could order lunch which ranged in price from $14 to $20. I doubt if any Class could boast three UNCIVPOL members namely Geoff Hodgson, John Crowley and George Bonomo. A great day was had by all. Cheers John Crowley
BBQ at Tom and Di’s Place in Anglesea Victoria, with a lamb on the spit (Thursday the 5th January, 2017) Also attending were their wives, partners and friends. A beautiful day, the birds were singing the sun was shining and the fish were jumping out of Bass Strait into Port Phillip Bay. The Landrover was in attendance. Ken Hamilton Standing: Alan Mitchell (10th) Ron Cronin (4th) John Studd (5th) Col Briscoe (5th) Tom McGrath (5th) Russ Conner (10th) Bob Mc Allan (3rd) Bob Hancock (7th). Front Row: Peter Vaughan (4th) Errol Archibald (3rd) Ken Hamilton (4th).
Did You Know? Traditionally, the Victoria Police Contingent has marched at the head of the Anzac Day March in Melbourne, just behind the VIP Group. It is said this occurred for two reasons, firstly to provide protection for the VIPs, which include the Premier, Heads of Defence and other eminent persons; and secondly so, as the first to march and
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finish, they could return back to the Melbourne CBD and clear the pubs of the junior veterans so they don’t settle in. Even to this day, police have been known to move the 20 something year old Iraq and Afghanistan veterans out of Young & Jackson’s in time to march at the end of the parade. True Blue - April 2017
Howard went it alone on islands
J
ohn Howard overrode vigorous objections from Australian military officials and diplomats when he sent peacekeepers into the Solomon Islands and Bougainville, says a new official history of Australian peacekeeping operations. At the launch of his work The Good Neighbour, historian Bob Breen praised the former prime minister for his political courage in overriding departmental advice to help a struggling neighbour. “I was particularly struck by the political risks Mr Howard took to put departmental advice aside, especially from the Department of Defence, and to intervene because it was the right thing to do,” Professor Breen said. Mr Howard told The Australian the account was accurate. “I have no regrets at all,” he said. “It worked out very well.” Professor Breen said the Howard government’s confidence had been boosted by the success of the Australian-led United Nations INTERFET peacekeeping mission to East Timor in September, 1999.
This time it opted to intervene in response to a request from the Solomons government. The mission placed armed troops within a policing operation under overall civilian leadership. The first senior Australian to arrive was a diplomat, “special co-ordinator” Nick Warner, who explained it was a broad based humanitarian intervention. “This marked a very significant milestone in Australia’s attitude to its region,” Professor Breen said. “Substantial military intervention had for decades been seen as inconceivable.” The East Timor and then the Solomons interventions defined Australia as the western power with Pacific responsibilities. Professor Breen wrote that the intervention began in an unusual manner with a report by a think tank, the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, identifying why the Solomons was a failing state and setting out a formula Australia could follow to save it.
Solomons president Sir Allan Kemakeza was encouraged by the report to write to Mr Howard in April 2003 describing his situation as perilous with armed gangs threatening his country. He asked Australia to intervene. Australia’s high commissioner to the Solomons, Bob Davis, told the government ASPI had stimulated unrealistic expectations. Defence Minister Robert Hill and Defence officials were also opposed to action. Professor Breen wrote that officials from the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Defence and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade emphasized the intractability of Solomons problems, stressing the intervention’s risk and costs. But Mr Howard and then foreign minister Alexander Downer opted to deploy Australian police and troops. By Brendan Nicholson Defence Editor Courtesy of The Australian
Do we have your Email Address? U
NOPAA maintains a membership database and communicates with its members from time to time by email. If you haven’t been receiving these communications, it may be that we don’t have your email address, or it is out of date. If uncertain, or it appears we don’t have it, please send your email address to the Secretary, Peter McDonald, at vp14970@gmail.com
True Blue - April 2017
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Australian Peacekeeping Memorial update
C
onstruction of the Australian Peacekeeping Memorial in Canberra is still continuing, with a planned dedication to take place during the 70th Anniversary of Peacekeeping celebrations from 11 – 15 September 2017. A consultative committee has been established by the Department of Veterans Affairs to plan the activities during that period. UNOPAA is represented through its President, Mick Travers.
Name of Mission/ Operation
A number of UNOPAA members are planning to travel to Canberra for the dedication. Further information, when known, will be made available through our website (www.unopaa.org)
Missions List The Australian Peacekeeping Memorial will honour all Australian peacekeepers. The memorial will list individually the peace keeping operations, inclusively defined, to
Theatre/ Country
Start/ End
UN Consular Commission
Dutch East Indies (Now Indonesia)
1947
UN Committee of Good Offices (UNGOC)
Dutch East Indies (Now Indonesia)
1947 - 1949
Greece
1947 - 1951
UN Special Committee on the Balkans (UNSCOB) UN Commission for Indonesia (UNCI)
Indonesia
UN Commission on Korea (UNCOK)
Korea
UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP)
Kashmir
UN Commission for the Unification and Rehabilitation of Korea (UNCURK)
Korea
UN Command Military Armistice Commission (UNCMAC)
Korea
UN Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO)
Middle East
1949 - 1951 1950 1948 - 1985
1951 -1973
1953 -
1956 -
UN Operation in the Congo (ONUC)
Congo
1960 - 1961
UN Temporary Executive Authority (UNTEA)
West New Guinea
1962 - 1963
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which the Australian Government assigned personnel. The Start / End years listed are those of Australian participation, even though the listed Mission or Operation may have started earlier or finished later than those listed. The agreed list is as follows. This list has been cleared with the team appointed by the Australian Government to write the Official History of Australian Peacekeeping, Humanitarian and Post Cold War Operations.
Name of Mission/ Operation
Theatre/ Country
Start/ End
UN Yemen Observation Mission (UNYOM)
Yemen
1963 - 1964
UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP)
Cyprus
1964 -
UN India - Pakistan Observation Mission (UNIPOM)
India, Pakistan
UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF)
Israel , Syria
Second UN Emergency Force (UNEF II) UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) Commonwealth Monitoring Force (CMF)
Sinai Lebanon
1965 - 1966
1974 -
1973 - 1979 1978
Zimbabwe
1979 - 1980
Commonwealth Military Training Team - Uganda (CMTTU)
Uganda
1982 - 1984
Multinational Force and Observers (MFO)
Sinai
1982 - 1986 1993 -
UN Iran - Iraq Military Observer Group (UNIIMOG)
Iran, Iraq
1988 - 1990
UN Transition Assistance Group (UNTAG)
Namibia
1989 - 1990
True Blue - April 2017
Name of Mission/ Operation
Theatre/ Country
Start/ End
Name of Mission/ Operation
Theatre/ Country
Start/ End
UN Border Relief Operation (UNBRO)
Thai - Cambodian border
1989 - 1993
UN Protection Force (UNPROFOR)
Former Yugoslavia
UN Mine Clearance Training Team (UNMCTT)
Afghanistan, Pakistan
1989 - 1993
Second UN Operation in Somalia (UNOSOM II)
Somalia
1993 - 1995
First Maritime Interception Force (MIF I)
Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea
1990 - 1991
Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC)
Cambodia
1994 - 1999
Second Maritime Interception Force (MIF II)
Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea
Rwanda
1994 - 1995
1991–2001
UN Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNAMIR)
UN Special Commission (UNSCOM)
Mozambique
1994
Iraq
1991 - 1999
UN Operation in Mozambique (ONUMOZ)
Operation Provide Comfort
Iraq
South Pacific Peace - Keeping Force (SPPKF)
Bougainville
1994
Multinational Force (MNF)
Haiti
1994 - 1995
Accelerated Demining Program (ADP)
Mozambique
1994 - 2002
UN Verification Mission in Guatemala (MINUGUA)
Guatemala
UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO)
Western Sahara
1991
1991 - 1994
UN Advance Mission in Cambodia (UNAMIC)
Cambodia
1991 - 1992
UN Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC)
Cambodia
1992 - 1993
First UN Operation in Somalia (UNOSOM I)
Somalia
1992 - 1993
Unified Task Force (UNITAF)
Somalia
1992 - 1993
True Blue - April 2017
1992
1997
Implementation Force / Stabilisation Force / Former Yugoslavia Kosovo Force (IFOR / SFOR / KFOR)
1995 - 2004
Truce Monitoring Group (TMG)
1997 - 1998
Bougainville
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Name of Mission/ Operation Peace Monitoring Group (PMG)
Theatre/ Country Bougainville
Start/ End 1998 - 2003
Name of Mission/ Operation
Theatre/ Country
Start/ End
Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI)
Solomon Islands
2003 -
UN Mission in Sudan (UNMIS)
Sudan
2005 - 2011
UN Office in TimorLeste (UNOTIL)
Timor-Leste
2005 - 2006
UN Mission in East Timor (UNAMET)
East Timor
International Force East Timor (INTERFET)
East Timor
1999 - 2000
UN Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET)
East Timor
2000 - 2002
International Stabilisation Force (ISF)
Timor-Leste
2006 - 2013
International Peace Monitoring Team (IPMT)
Solomon Islands
2000 - 2002
UN Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT)
Timor-Leste
2006 - 2012
UN Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE)
Ethiopia, Eritrea
2001 - 2005
African Union - UN Mission in Darfur (UNAMID)
Darfur
2008 - 2011
International Military Advisory and Training Team (IMATT)
Sierra Leone
2001 - 2003
UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI)
Iraq
2009 - 2013
UN Mission of Support in East Timor (UNMISET)
East Timor
2002 - 2005
UN Mission in the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS)
Iraq
2002 - 2003
Afghanistan
2003 - 2004 2005 -
UN Monitoring / Verification and Inspection Commission for Iraq (UNMOVIC) UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA)
1999
Miners Rest General Store 200-202 Howe St Miners Rest VIC
South Sudan
2011 -
Note: Two spans of dates are provided for the MFO and UNAMA because Australia’s contribution to these missions was not continuous, and included two ADF operations.
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True Blue - April 2017
Bougainville celebrates 15 years of peace Buka, August 30, 2016
T
he UN Resident Coordinator in Papua New Guinea, Roy Trivedy joined the President of the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG), the High Commissioners from Fiji and New Zealand High Commission, high-level representatives from Australian mission along with hundreds of Bougainvillians to commemorate 15 years since the signing of the Bougainville Peace Agreement in 2001. The celebrations took place in Buka Town, Bougainville on Tuesday, 30 August 2016 with speeches and a display of culture through traditional dancing and music. UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative, Roy Trivedy told the audience that “despite many challenges in the past 15 years, both the national Government and the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) continue to demonstrate commitment to the peace process that will eventually lead to lasting peace and stability not only in the country but the entire Pacific region”. Mr Trivedy called for urgency in implementing the rest of the provisions of the Peace Agreement especially the referendum on the future of Bougainville. Mr. Trivedy said “The target date for referendum is now set for 15 June 2019. It is now the responsibility of all parties to ensure that all of the necessary preparatory work is completed expeditiously so that the referendum is organized efficiently to deliver a free, fair and transparent outcome. It is important for this work to commence as soon as possible. With National Elections in Papua New Guinea scheduled in 2017 and the APEC Summit
True Blue - April 2017
planned for 2018, it is also vital for key decisions including on the Referendum body to be taken by the National Government and the ABG in a timely manner.” In order to bolster the wider awareness on the peace agreement and the coming referendum, the UN chief handed over to the ABG a Mobile cinema/outreach vehicle, a community information centre on the referendum and 10,000 copies of the Peace Agreement. He added that these facilities “will not only increase awareness and dialogue on the peace process and the referendum, but will also help in increasing community discussions around the Sustainable Development Goals.” The head of UN in Papua New Guinea concluded “The people of Bougainville can be assured that the United Nations will continue to cooperate and collaborate with both the National Government, the ABG and other development partners to assist in keeping the peace process on track…” President of the Autonomous Bougainville Government, Chief Dr John Momis commended the UN for its support of the peace process in Bougainville. The President also separately launched the National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) Bougainville Shortwave band and the autonomous government’s website.
Chief Dr. Momis said that 19 years ago the fighting ended after negotiations facilitated by the international community: “It is now 15 years since we signed the peace agreement, and I think you the people of Bougainville deserve the greatest deal of credit because it is your commitment that has made us go for 15 years with no significant occurrence of violence.” President Momis also called for “strong resolve and unity” among Bougainville’s people to ensure lasting peace, development and social justice. Ruby Mirinka, herself a signatory to the BPA and now an advocate for women’s rights spoke passionately about the need for the peace process to benefit women and children in particular. She called for economic transformation and self-reliance “so that in the coming years, we don’t just celebrate, we celebrate successes, our achievements and progress.” UNDP’s support to the Government of Papua New Guinea and Autonomous Bougainville Government is made possible through the UN Peace Building Fund and is aimed at helping the two governments consolidate peace, enhance community cohesion, good governance and build capacity of various government departments.
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Australian Police Withdrawal from Cyprus – June 2017 It has been confirmed that the Australian Police element to the United Nations Forces in Cyprus will be withdrawn in June 2017. UNOPAA has been working with the Australian Federal Police to recognise this significant event.
O
n 17 March 2017, the UNOPAA President, Mick Travers, wrote to all those who had expressed interest in attending in Cyprus, enclosing the Event Program and forms to be completed and returned to the AFP by 1 May 2017.
True Blue - April 2017
A copy of the program and the forms to be completed are included in this edition of True Blue. Anyone interested who has not yet done so should complete and return the forms as soon as possible.
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Withdrawal from Cyprus Advice circulated on 17 March 2017 Good afternoon all, As you are aware after 53 years of continuous UN service in Cyprus the last AFP member will depart Nicosia in late June 2017. To mark this occasion, and to recognise the service of all Australian Police who served in Cyprus, the United Nations yesterday approved for the AFP to send a delegation to Cyprus and conduct events in June 2017 to recognise the contribution of Australians and to commemorate the sacrifices that have been made by some “In the Service of Peace”. As you have indicated previously that you may be interested in attending these events, and some of you in fact have already confirmed your attendance and commenced booking travel and accommodation, the AFP now require definitive confirmation whether you will be attending Cyprus in June. The two major events are on 15 and 16 June will take place within the United Nations Protected Area (UNPA). Without AFP sponsorship and UN approval entry into the UNPA will not be possible, other scheduled events also require acceptance from a planning perspective, thus firm confirmation is required. I have attached to this email the Public Event Program that commences on 14 June and
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concludes on 17 June, you will note that some events are still subject to UN approval and that others are being conducted by the UNOPAA and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT). The AFP will assist where possible to support these events and coordinate such things as transport to and from these events. The AFP will work with the UNOPAA so all attending are included in all events. The AFP are planning on sending several members of the Senior Executive and members from International Operations to Cyprus to ensure that proper recognition is given to these events. The UNOPAA have negotiated a discounted accommodation booking at the Park Hilton Hotel and all persons travelling are able to access this rate (including breakfast) by using the link below. Please ensure that you enter the exact dates for which you require accommodation, for when accessing the link. If you require assistance with the use of this link please contact either Peter McDonald or myself. Hilton Link: http://www. hilton.com/en/hi/groups/ personalized/N/NICLEHI-GU NOPA-20170607/index.jhtml Of most importance is the completion of the two attached registration forms. One form is required for the AFP to facilitate your attendance, invitation
transport and entry to events. The second is required by the UNOPAA to arrange for their sponsored events and for event clothing they are arranging. For ease of registration it has been agreed that the AFP will manage the collection of all registration forms. If you are intending to travel to Cyprus in June for the events please complete the attached forms ASAP and return them to: events-rsvp@afp.gov.au Or post completed form/s to: Ms Bronnie Harlovich, AFP Protocol, GPO Box 401, Canberra City ACT 2601 Forms must be received NO LATER THAN 1 MAY 2017 , failure to register by that time will preclude your access to events. If you have any questions or require clarification do not hesitate to contact either myself or Team Leader Protocol, Ms Bronnie Harlovich Bronnie.Harlovich@ afp.gov.au If your inquiry relates to UNOPAA matters please contact the UNOPAA National Secretary/ Treasurer Mr Peter McDonald at vp14970@gmail.com Warmest regards, Mick Travers President
True Blue - April 2017
Event Program Event– Date /Time / Place No Later Than 13 June 2017
All invited guests and other Participants arrive in Cyprus.
Nicosia
Hilton Park Hotel 1 Axaion Street, Engomi, Nicosia Is the Event Hotel Registration Hilton Park Hotel – times TBA
Wednesday 14 June 14 June 2017
Registration Hilton Park Hotel – times TBA
14 June 2017 - 0900hrs Nicosia
Proposed “Green Line” tour for invited Guests & UNOPAA members. (Still subject to UN approval & will be in small groups) Dress: Casual with good walking shoes
14 June 2017 – 1500hrs
Tour of Nicosia to Troodos area and dinner event for invited Guests & UNOPAA members at Kakopetria (UNOPAA Sponsored Event) Dress: Neat Casual – Light Jacket recommended as night may get cool
Thursday 15 June 15 June 2017 – 1000hrs Remembrance Service at Landrover Memorial UN Protected Area (UNPA)
Service from 1000-1040hrs to commemorate the three Australian Civilian Police and all UN peacekeepers that have made the ultimate sacrifice whilst “in the Service of Peace” Dress: Serving members – Ceremonial Tunic with full medals & Awards. All Others - Suit/Business attire or equivalent with medals (Blue Beret for those who have served- Awaiting approval from United Nations)
15 June 2017 – TBA (PM) Reception Australian High Commissioner’s Residence
Hosted by High Commissioner Mr Allan Sweetman. Guest will include AFP Officials & UNOPAA members. Dress: TBA by DFAT
Friday 16 June 16 June 2017 – 1900hrs UNFICYP HQ -ANF final Lowering Ceremony @ sunset
1900hrs commencement. Invited guests to include Diplomatic, UN, AFP Officials & UNOPAA members. Dress: Serving members – Ceremonial Tunic with full medals & Awards. All Others – Suit/Business attire or equivalent with medals (Blue Beret for those who have served- Awaiting approval from United Nations)
16 June 2017 – 2015hrs UNFICYP Mess UNPA - TBA
2015-2230hrs. At location within UNPA. Immediately following flag lowering ceremony Dress: Serving members – Ceremonial Tunic with full medals & Awards. All Others - Suit/Business attire or equivalent with medals
Saturday 17 June 17 June 2017 – 0800hrs
Hilton Park Hotel Nicosia.
AFP Breakfast
Opportunity to informally farewell Official Guests & UNOPAA members. Dress: Casual
True Blue - April 2017
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CYPRUS WITHDRAWAL AFP Register Details* required by AFP & UN for access to United Nations Protected Area (*as they appear on your Passport)
(SEPARATE FORM MUST COMPLETED BY EACH PERSON ATTENDING) Passport Number: Country of Issue:
Place of Birth:
Issue date:
Expiry date:
Full Name:
DOB:
/
/
Street Address: Town/Suburb:
State: Postcode:
Phone: (
Mob:
)
Please indicate whether you will have international roaming activated on your mobile phone whilst in Cyprus.
International Roaming activated:
Yes / No
UNFICYP AUSTCIVPOL Contingent Number and Year(s) in Cyprus: Names of those travelling in your party (please ensure one form is completed for each traveller): 1. 2. 3. Date of Arrival in Cyprus:
Departure Date from Cyprus:
Accommodation Name: Accommodation Address: Email completed form/s to: events-rsvp@afp.gov.au
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OR
Post Completed form/s to: Ms Bronnie Harlovich AFP Protocol PO Box 401 Canberra City
Forms must be received NO LATER THAN 1 MAY 2017
True Blue - April 2017
CYPRUS WITHDRAWAL UNOPAA Register (A SEPARATE FORM MUST BE COMPLETED BY EACH PERSON ATTENDING) Full Name: UNOPAA Financial Member:
Yes / No
Estimated Arrival Date in NICOSIA: Estimated Departure Date from NICOSIA: Accommodation Name: Accommodation Address: Date In:
Date out:
The UNOPAA are attempting to source an event POLO Shirt FOC for all attendees. Please advise your shirt size below. Shirt Size: (circle one)
S
M
L
XL
XXL
XXXL
XXXXL
Kakopetria Tour / Dinner (UNOPAA sponsored Event) Transport to this event will depart Hilton on the Park at 4:00pm on 14 June 2017. Please indicate your attendance at this Tour Dinner:
Yes / No
We have a small supply of UNOPAA Merchandise including Ties, Scarves, Tie Pins, Cuff Links and Lapel Badges. If you wish to purchase UNOPAA merchandise prior to travel please contact – heldale.cooper@gmail.com
Email completed form/s to: events-rsvp@afp.gov.au
True Blue - April 2017
OR
Post Completed form/s to: Ms Bronnie Harlovich AFP Protocol PO Box 401 Canberra City
Forms must be received NO LATER THAN 1 MAY 2017
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Hobart Reunion – October 2017
T
he next reunion of UNOPAA will take place in Hobart from 21 to 25 October 2017. Following expressions of interest, a registration form was made available in early February, and requires a deposit by 1 June 2017 and full payment by Friday, 1 September 2017.
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The proposed schedule of events is detailed on the registration form, a three page document included in this edition of True Blue Further information can be obtained if necessary from the UNOPAA Secretary, Peter McDonald or by emailing hobartreunion2017@gmail.com
True Blue - April 2017
UNOPAA 2017 HOBART TASMANIA REGISTRATION FORM
UNOPAA AGM/REUNION/CONFERENCE
Saturday 21st to Wednesday 25th October 2017 1. COMPLETE clearly in BLOCK LETTERS – as detailed as possible please 2. E-mail Registration Form, and proof of payment (if applicable) to hobartreunion2017@gmail.com OR 3. Mail Registration Form, and proof of payment or cheque (if applicable) to Peter McDonald, National Secretary UNOPAA, 83 Prospect Drive, East Keilor, Vic 3033 Event Attendance (insert number of people attending) Saturday 21st October 2017
– Registration opens 2.30pm at Old Woolstore Reception area – Salamanca Markets – Evening Free
Sunday 22nd October 2017 Welcome luncheon – The Old WOOLSTORE (Merino Room) 12-2pm
– Evening Free
Monday 23rd October 2017 AGM 9am-11.30pm
Derwent River Boat Cruise 12.30pm-3.30pm
Reception Government House – 5.30pm bus pickup (Old Woolstore and Hadley’s) for 6pm-7pm
Tuesday 24th October 2017 – United Nations Day UN Commemoration Service @ St David’s 9.30am for 10am-10.45am, followed by March to Town Hall 11am-11.15am, followed by
Mayoral Reception 11.30am-1pm
UNOPAA Formal Dinner – @ WREST POINT CASINO 6.30pm bnus pickup for 7pm-11pm Your Details
Title
First & Last Name
(incl Post Nominals)
Guest
Title
First & Last Name
(incl Post Nominals)
Guest
Title
First & Last Name
(incl Post Nominals)
Guest
Title
First & Last Name
(incl Post Nominals)
Ph: ( )
Mobile:
Postal Address Town/City
State
P/Code
Special Dietary Requirements Accommodation name True Blue - April 2017
Date in
Date out 15
If you wish to be seated with other attendees at the Formal Dinner, please advise The maximum number at each table is 8 persons If you have served in a United Nations or other Peacekeeping or Capacity Building Mission please advise: LOCATION..................................................Contingent................................Dates............................ LOCATION..................................................Contingent................................Dates............................ LOCATION..................................................Contingent................................Dates............................ I / We will require transport from to and from Old Woolstore/Hadley’s Hotel as follows: Reception – Government House
Constitution Dock for river cruise (10 min walk)
Saint David’s and return from Hobart Town Hall (for the slow and/or disabled (15 min uphill walk) Wrest Point Casino and
return
Payment required UNOPAA Conference Package
$250 single
$480 double
Deposit $50/person required when registering before 1 June 2017 for planning purposes. Remainder to be paid by Friday 1 September 2017. Cheque required Write Cheque out to UNOPAA and send with names attending by post to
UNOPAA Sec/Treas, 83 Prospect Drive, East KEILOR VIC 3033 Direct bank deposit/transfer Account Name: UNOPAA Reference: (your
BSB: 81500
Account No: 229831
first and last name – TAS)
All inquiries to: Peter McDonald
hobartreunion2017@gmail.com
Mobile: 0418 131 352
heldale.cooper@gmail.com mt2976@gmail.com
Mobile: 0418 266 033 Mobile: 0418 297 086
or Dale DJC Cooper Mick Travers
16
True Blue - April 2017
TRANSPORT
Registration Reception, Welcome Function, AGM & preferred UNOPAA Accommodation is located at
Transport may be available to & from: 1. Airport 2. Old Woolstore Apartment Hotel & Hadley’s Hotel Bus transport will be available to UNOPAA events, including: a. Government House Reception b. S t David’s Church Service, & c. Wrest Point Casino Function Alternate arranged accommodation option is:
1 Macquarie Street, Hobart, Tasmania 7000 http://oldwoolstore.com.au/ Arrival: Fri 20th or Sat 21st October 2017 Departure: Wed 25th October 2017
Hadley’s Orient Hotel 34 Murray Street, Hobart Tasmania 7000
The Old Woolstore QUOTE ‘295108’ & ‘UNOPAA Conference’
QUOTE - Folio #2135647 UNOPAA Conference
Contact details: Ph: 03 6235 5355 or 1800 814 676 E: reservations@oldwoolstore.com.au
Contact details Ph: 03 6237 2999 E: reservations@hadleyhotel.com.au
Studio Apartments @ $183 per night, room only rate (1-2pax)
Hotel Rooms @ $183 per night, room only rate (1-2pax)
One Bedroom Apartments @ $205 per night, room only rate (1-2pax)
Superior Rooms @ $207 per night, room only rate (1-2pax)
Two Bedroom Apartments @ $295 per night, room only rate (1-4pax)
Spa Suites @ $266 per night, room only rate (1-2pax)
True Blue - April 2017
17
Cyprus Group Travel Kyrenia Travel in Sydney and Denis Percy are arranging a bus tour of Cyprus for those attending the Cyprus withdrawal events who wish to visit other places of interest. It is separate from the AFP/UNOPAA functions in Nicosia from 13 to 17 June 2017 (for which a separate booking should be made). All inquiries relating to the bus tour should be address to Denis Percy on 0419 422 801 or to Lakis Polyviou on (02) 9283 2144.
Sun 11 Jun 17 Private transfers
Sat 17 Jun 17
•
•
•
Pick Up Larnaca Airport transfer to Ajax Hotel, Limassol Hotel: Ajax Hotel, Limassol or similar bed and breakfast 1 night
Mon 12 Jun 17 • • • •
Coach transfer Pick up Ajax Hotel Limassol to Droushia Heights Hotel near Polis Chrysochous Lunch at Paphos Harbour (own expense). Proposed visits to our former Police Stations at Limassol, Paphos and Polis. Hotel: Droushia Heights Hotel or similar bed and breakfast 1 night
Tue 13 Jun 17 • •
Coach transfer. Pick up Droushia Heights Hotel travel to Nicosia Own Arrangements
Wed 14 Jun 17 •
Own Arrangements
Thur 15 Jun 17 •
Own Arrangements
Fri 16 Jun 17 • •
• • • •
Coach Pick up from Hilton Park Hotel drive to Kyrenia with Turkish Guide. Lunch in Kyrenia at own expense. Visit Kyrenia Castle, Kantara Castle and Bellapais. Return to Hilton Park Hotel Nicosia Hotel: Hilton Park Hotel, Nicosia or similar bed and breakfast 3 nights
Sun 18 Jun 17 • • •
Coach Pick up Hilton Park Hotel Drive to Apostolos Andreas and Famaugusta with Turkish Guide. Lunch at own expense. Return to Hilton Park Hotel Nicosia Hotel: Hilton Park Hotel, Nicosia or similar bed and breakfast
Mon 19 Jun 17 • •
Day At Leisure Hotel: Hilton Park Hotel, Nicosia or similar bed and breakfast
Tue 20 Jun 17 Private transfers. Pick up Hilton Park Hotel transfer to Larnaca Airport
Own Arrangements Hotel: Nicosia 13-17 June – Booking to be made separately with AFP – at own expense.
$1122 - per person Twin Share bed and breakfast $1650 - per person Single bed and breakfast Please Note:
Price:
Arrival 11 June and departure 20 June transfers are quoted on Private Individual. Services of Turkish Guide on Sat 17 Jun and Sun 18 Jun included. All other details are included as per above itinerary.
Prices for the above are per person in AUD and based on group size of 20 people minimum. This is a quote only and no bookings are being held. The rates are valid for the hotels mentioned. Should these properties be unavailable at the time of booking, a new quote will be provided based on the hotels confirmed. In the event that the minimum number of full paying participants is not achieved, we reserve the right to cancel, or package may be re-costed and offered at a revised price. In the event of exchange rate fluctuations, the costs are subject to change.
Deposit: $200 per person is required by 1st May to hold your booking subject to confirmation and minimum number of participants reached.
18
True Blue - April 2017
John William Rice (6 Feb 1939 – 11 Jan 2017)
John Rice, a member of the 1st Contingent, died on 11 January 2017 after a long battle with emphysema. His funeral service was held in Ocean Grove on 17 January and attended by two members of the 1st Contingent, Ian Hardy and Peter McGrath, as well as 8 other members who had served in Cyprus. A Guard of Honour was formed by the ten UNOPAA members in blue berets wearing their medals. The flag draped coffin was escorted from the church by the UN Land Rover. At the wake, Ian Hardy addressed the crowd on John’s service in Cyprus including some amusing incidents. John Rice led a full life, firstly in the RAN, later in Victoria Police and finally as National Loss Prevention Manager for Target. He wrote an autobiography of his life, excerpts of which are published below with the kind permission of his wife Mary.
Cyprus In May 1964 I applied for and was accepted for secondment to the then Commonwealth Police (Compol) for duty with the United Nations Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), as a member of the first Australian United Nations Civilian Police contingent (UNCIVPOL). The contingent consisted of forty police from the then Commonwealth Police, and all state and territory police forces. On the 19th May 1964, the first Australian UNCIVPOL contingent assembled at Fairbairn RAAF base in Canberra for a very rushed 4-day induction program held mainly at the Royal Military College, Duntroon. We were kitted out with the standard Compol uniform of the time, dark blue serge trousers and jacket, long sleeved grey shirts, blue ties, black leather lace up boots, uniform cap and badge, overcoat, rain cape etc. It was obvious even at this early stage that no thought had been given to the climatic conditions or operational requirements in Cyprus. We were billeted in basically derelict Quonset huts on the air base, sleeping on camp beds with inadequate warm bedding. This was in Canberra just before the onset of winter, and I recall looking up at the large holes in the roof and walls of the fibro-cement constructed huts, True Blue - April 2017
and reflecting on how bitterly cold it was at night. Our induction consisted of obviously hastily put together lectures and discussions from government and military advisers in respect to the current situation in Cyprus, including quite graphic descriptions of the prevalence of weapons, booby traps and home made explosives used by the combatants on the island. A representative from the Department of Foreign Affairs stated quite plainly that he considered duty as a peacekeeper in Cyprus a quite dangerous appointment and expected a number of casualties from among our numbers. We also undertook pistol practice, having been issued with and trained in the then state of the art 9mm Browning automatics. These were hastily taken back off us before we flew out, due to what we were told was some diplomatic problem to do with weapons on aeroplanes flying over foreign countries! We flew out of Sydney on the afternoon of Sunday 24th May and landed at Nicosia airport on the morning of the 26th. We disembarked in full Compol uniform in extremely hot and dusty conditions. My recollection of the bus drive from the airport to our hotel billet was that of heat, dust,
barbed wire entanglements and heavily armed military personnel, and similarly armed persons in civilian clothes. I discovered later these were mainly members of the Greek Cypriot National Guard who performed part time military duty around the island and carried their weapons at most times. We were all billeted at the Hotel Atlanta in Nicosia for about four days, during which time we were issued with our UN kit which consisted of a blue beret, blue fatigue cap, blue cravat, shoulder brassards and an ID card. We were also issued with WW1 (circa 1915) Webley and Scott or Enfield .38 calibre break open revolvers, a holster and six rounds of ammunition. These weapons were quite obsolete, and according to some contingent members with extensive firearms experience, were considered a dangerous style of revolver because of the hinged, break open method of reloading. Whilst at the Atlanta, a group of us went sightseeing to the city centre and became embroiled in a large demonstration by Greek Cypriots protesting at the presence of British Troops and civilians on the island. We were mistaken for British UN personnel and had some trouble avoiding violence until we could convince them we were in fact Australians. 19
On the island, we worked alongside other civilian police from Sweden, Denmark, Austria and New Zealand and military contingents from Britain, Ireland, Canada, Finland, Denmark, Sweden and Austria. We spent the majority of our time attached to the British Life Guards and later the Canadian Queens Own Rifles. Our main duties were to try and maintain peace between the Greek and Turkish Cypriots along the green line, act as civilian police liaison officers for the military, escort Red Cross or Red Crescent convoys across the island and act as observers on Greek and Turkish Cypriot police roadblocks to prevent problems with over zealous searching of vehicles and persons. After the four day kit out and induction, six of us (Sgt. 1st Class Bob Giles [SA], Jack Vandenbergh [Compol], Don De Broughe [SA], Peter Walker [Qld], Eddie Dalton & myself [both Vic]) were sent to Ayious Theodorus, a small mixed village in the south of the island which had been the focus of some recent heavy fighting between the Greek and Turkish Cypriot inhabitants in which a number of people had been killed. We took over from the Swedish Police, who had been in Ayios Theodourous for about three weeks. Typically the Swedes, never to miss an opportunity to have a good time, put on a handover party, complete with an inexhaustible source of Tuborg beer and a Swedpol band consisting of two guitars, a violin and piano accordion! Also present at the handover were the Greek Cypriot & Turkish Cypriot Muktahs and their minders. At the start of the evening both sides glared at each other, however after a number of Tuborg beers the two Muktahs sat together and engaged in friendly talk. It turned out they were best of friends at school, but because of the political situation, had to put on a public face of mutual hostility. We were billeted in a two-storey house in the Turkish sector of the village. The house had no electricity, no running water, a deep hole in the ground for a 20
toilet and window openings with wooden shutters, but no glass. An elderly Turk who allegedly had some experience as a cook for the British Army was employed by the UN to look after us. A young local Turkish boy, Sardit’in Ibrihim, was employed as his assistant. It was a UN requirement that any Cypriot employed had to get a medical clearance: Eddie Dalton & I were tasked with taking our two Turkish Cypriots to the Army Hospital on the British sovereign base at Dhekelia, near Larnaca, for certification. En-route we were required to go through a Greek Cypriot police road block, where an attempt was made to arrest the two Turkish Cypriots, who were plainly terrified of the consequences. At one stage the young Turkish boy attempted to snatch my gun out the holster, but was fortunately stopped. We managed to assert our authority, talked the situation down and were allowed to proceed. This incident was my first real indication of the extreme levels of antagonism between the two ethnic groups and the constant danger we were placed in as mediators and peacekeepers. After a very short time at Ayios Theodorus it appeared obvious to us there was no real plan or infrastructure in place to provide even a reasonable level of support; we were basically left to fend for ourselves and to make the best of the limited local resources available. The food prepared for us was basic and mostly inedible as our cook sourced all his supplies from the Turkish village on what appeared to be a limited budget. There was a company of UN attached British Iniskilling Fusiliers stationed in the village, but they mostly ignored us and provided no tangible support. Fortunately the wider area was under the control of a squadron of The Life Guards regiment, stationed at nearby Zyggi, who took us under their protective wing and provided us with day to day necessities including a generator, items of uniform, a water trailer, a supply of army rations, a kerosene refrigerator and basic sanitation.
The officer in charge of the Life Guards was Major Ronald Ferguson, father of Sarah (later Princess Sarah). He went out of his way to make sure we were looked after to the best of his, and his troops ability. In desperate need of a shower, our Turkish neighbours kindly showed us a deep well in the field next door, complete with petrol pump and a large outlet pipe. For some weeks we used this as our shower, and for drinking and cooking water. A British Army medical team eventually did some tests and discovered that the well was part of the old village underground sewerage system and that our water supply was totally polluted and unfit for human use. Our duties in Ayious Theodorus were largely undefined; we carried out foot patrols of the Greek and Turkish sectors of the village to maintain the so called “green line”, and some mobile patrols of the wider area in our UN provided and badged Land Rover. Tensions in the village were high and many villagers went around armed with a variety of loaded weapons. I gained the impression at this time that the Greek Cypriots, as the majority inhabitants, resented our presence in the village, especially being located in the Turkish sector. The Turkish Cypriots on the other hand seemed appreciative of our presence and our active patrols in the area. The local Greek Cypriot police were negative and argumentative, as I found out on several occasions whilst on foot patrol. A frequent visitor to the Greek sector of the village was a black Mercedes with up to five well armed males in civilian clothes, who we later came across in other parts of the island. I later found out they were either Greek police or National Guard officers who appeared to have a role of supporting their uniformed colleagues, and attempting to intimidate both Turkish Cypriot residents and UN personnel. By dusk each day we were required to be back in our house; it was not considered safe to be on the village streets after dark. There True Blue - April 2017
was no entertainment, no television, not even a radio; we made do with playing cards, writing letters and drinking copious quantities of UN duty free alcohol every night after tea. Occasionally we would be invited to the Life Guards Corporal of Horse mess for a meal and drinks, which helped break up the monotony. After about six weeks we were rotated with another team of Australian UNCIVPOL members and transferred to the Four Lanterns hotel in Larnaca, which was the Australian area base of operations at the time. This was a reasonable hotel with comfortable rooms, acceptable food, shower and toilet facilities. This was really the only reasonable accommodation I encountered on the island. Our main duties whilst stationed in Larnaca was to act as observers at the Greek Cypriot Police Road blocks set up on every main road into the town, carry out some patrols of the general area and escort Turkish Red Crescent convoys through Greek Cypriot areas. Most of my time was spent sitting in our Land rover on the road block on the Larnaca - Dhekelia Road where the Greek Cypriot police and National Guard members had set up what was virtually a permanent camp and were stopping and searching all vehicles, including British Army and civilian personnel from the sovereign base. These searches were often carried out with a high level of aggression and rudeness with the contents of the vehicles often being strewn around on the ground. The Police and the National Guardsmen were all armed with handguns and sub machine guns, and accidental firings of these weapons, especially the Sten & Stirling sub machine guns, was not uncommon. The Greek Cypriot Police appeared to be reasonably well trained and disciplined, and generally friendly & co-operative with us: but the National Guard were simply an undisciplined rabble who seemed intent on causing as much disruption and antagonism as they could. True Blue - April 2017
By this time we had been instructed not to wear our revolvers by our Contingent Commander, a decision not widely accepted or appreciated by the Australians at the time. We also had no real authority to take any action or intervene: our job was simply to observe and report any incident by radio back to base. There was not always immediate support from the UN military; on one occasion a serious dispute arose, involving the National Guard, and Eddie Dalton and I were threatened with guns if we intervened. It was apparent that the Greek Cypriot Police were not going to get involved, they always seemed to defer to the National Guard; we asked for back up, and the incident was quickly defused when a truck load of UN French Canadian soldiers from the 22nd Regiment arrived, loaded their rifles and aimed them at the National Guardsmen. In August 1964, we were finally issued with lightweight grey trousers (but not shorts!) and desert boots, a uniform combination better suited to the Cyprus weather and conditions and operational requirements. In December 1964, following the fighting around Kokkina in northern Cyprus in August, and the detection of gun running in this area by some Swedish soldiers, a group of Australian police, including myself were sent to Xeros on the northern coast of the island. Xeros had been the centre of a local copper ore mining industry, run by the Cyprus Mining Corporation, which was abandoned during the fighting in the area. We were billeted in the miner’s huts; which were of solid construction, but provided a very basic level of comfort, with no internal running water, cooking facilities, toilets, bathrooms or heating. This was December, northern winter, and the weather was turning very cold. We managed to scrounge some kerosene heaters, which helped somewhat, but then ventilation became a problem. Toilets were again a long drop hole in an outhouse out
the back, the shower block was approximately 0.5km distant, and meals were taken at the Seagull café in the village, about 1km away. In January 1965, we were transferred to the partially constructed Romanzo Hotel in Kakopetria, which whilst not ideal, was a welcome change from Xeros. But again, the food was very ordinary, consisting mainly of the seemingly diseased chooks running around the hotel and dispatched and cooked by the hotel proprietor, Mr Makris. Our main duties at Kakopetria were to conduct some patrols of the area and escort Red Cross & Red Crescent convoys through unfriendly areas. Generally, my recollection is that this was the least active time of our service on the island. At this time we were not allowed to go down the hill to the Kakopetria village, any fraternisation was strictly forbidden. Our social life consisted of staying in the hotel, drinking duty free beer, playing the juke box, playing cards and occasionally escaping up the mountain to the Hotel Troodos, for a ski, and a good meal. About this time, the contingent commander Frank Holland, decided that everybody, including himself, would take off their badges of rank. (As a result, Frank was then affectionately referred to as the grey haired old constable!) The reason for this was simple; other nationality police and army units, including the Cypriots, were seemingly obsessed by rank, to the stage some personnel were buying badges of rank in an effort to outrank everybody. Our problem had been that increasingly no-one would take advice or instructions from an Australian police officer exhibiting sergeant or first constable rank: once we removed our rankings the situation improved markedly and we obtained a much higher level of co-operation and respect. The other benefit of our deranking was that we started to get invitations to various officer’s and senior rank messes, which were closed to us before! 21
At some time in early to mid April 1965, Eddie Dalton & I were transferred, with a UN badged Land Rover, out of Kakopetria and sent up to a Canadian army outpost on the track from Kyrenia, up the mountains, to St Hilarian castle and beyond. This outpost, and another one further up the track, had been established to try and stop, or at least reduce, the transportation of arms and ammunition from the Kyrenia area to the Turkish Cypriot fighters in the mountains. The outpost was manned by a section of six Canadian Queens Own Rifles, led by a sergeant. The main Canadian camp was located in Kyrenia. The outpost consisted of three tents, two for accommodation and one for a kitchen/mess, a small tent over the inevitable hole in the
ground toilet and a sandbagged redoubt for defensive purposes if required. Sleeping was on camp stretchers, meals were Canadian field rations, however at least twice a week we would go down, in rotation, to the main Canadian camp and enjoy good food, drinks, movies and friendly Canadian conviviality. The duties were simple; there was a rudimentary roadblock adjacent to the outpost, and all vehicles and pedestrians coming up the track from Kyrenia were stopped and searched. Dalton and I conducted most of the searches, two or three Canadian soldiers, with automatic weapons, would be present to provide protection. The fact that we were carrying out these duties unarmed was the subject of some amusement with the Canadians!
Around about mid May 1965, Dalton & I were transferred out of Kyrenia to Nicosia, where we spent some time packing up our kit and preparing for the end of our service and return to Australia, and to resume my duties at Robinvale. Now fifty years on (2014), I can look back on my service in Cyprus as a most interesting experience, where I learnt tolerance, patience and a deep understanding of the inter-racial and religious issues that plague so many countries around the world. I am proud to have served as a member of the first Australian police peacekeeping group who contributed to bring peace and stability to a troubled country, and hope we set an example to all those other Australian police who have followed in our footsteps and served in so many countries around the world.
Vale
I
t is with regret that we advise of the passing of the following members who served overseas. On behalf of the UNOPAA National Executive, our National Committee, our State Branches and all members of UNOPAA, we would like to acknowledge their service, particularly to overseas peacekeeping, and to express our sympathy to their family and friends. All will be missed.
Knud Ernst Anderson
Barry Allan Boyce
Knud was a DANCON member who served with the UN in Egypt in 1956. He was born in Denmark and died peacefully on Cape Barren Island, Tasmania on 23 February 2017, aged 80 years. He was privately cremated.
Barry was an AFP member of the 5th Contingent to Cyprus (1968-69). He passed away after a long illness on 22 January 2017, aged 87 years. His funeral was held in Manuka, Canberra on 27 January.
Edwin Frank Harlovich
Geoffrey Duncan Baker
John William Rice
Frank was an AFP member of the 21st Contingent to Cyprus in 1984. He passed away on 15 November 2016, aged 75 years. His funeral was held in Mitchell, Canberra on 21 November.
Geoff was a Victorian member of the 11th Contingent to Cyprus (1974-75). He passed away on 5 January 2017, aged 85 years. His funeral was held in Glen Waverley on 12 January.
John was a Victorian member of the 1st Contingent to Cyprus (1964-65). He passed away after a long illness on 11 January 2017, aged 77 years. His funeral was held at Ocean Grove on 17 January.
22
True Blue - April 2017
UNITED NATIONS & OVERSEAS POLICING ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA (UNOPAA)
Membership Renewal or Application Your annual UNOPAA membership subscription is $20.00. Please complete this form and return with your subscription to address at the bottom of this form.
Surname or Family Name Given Name/s Preferred Name Private Address (No. & Street) (Suburb or Town) (State)
(Postcode)
Spouse/Partner’s Name Phone (Home or Mobile)
(Business)
Email Address Current or former Police Organisation (please tick)
AFP
VIC
SA
TAS
NSW
QLD
WA
NT
Currently serving
Service Status
Other
(specify below)
Former or retired
Associate
United Nations or Overseas Policing Service UN Mission/Country of Policing Service (eg: UNFICYP-Cyprus, UNMIT/TLPDP-Timor Leste, RAMSI, Afghanistan, etc)
Year/s
Contingent Number/s
Military Service (eg: RAAF, Corps, Regiment, Wing, Ship etc)
for Serving Members, Former or Retired,
$20.00 or Associate
Membership Fees
Cheque
Payment Type
Do you require a receipt?
Year/s
Yes
No
Money Order
EFTPOS - Account Name: UNOPAA BSB: 815-000 Account No: 229831
Direct debit (form attached)
All payments MUST be made in Australian Dollars. Make cheques payable to UNOPAA. Do NOT send cash.
Please send this Application Form and remittance to: UNOPAA c/- Peter McDonald, National Secretary 83 Prospect Drive, East Keilor, VIC, 3033 Phone: (03) 9337 4736 Mobile: 0418 131 352 Email: secretary@unopaa.org True Blue - April 2017
Signature
Official Use Only
Membership updated on: By:
23
UNITED NATIONS & OVERSEAS POLICING ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA UNOPAA (Inc. NSW) ABN: 83 146 901 797
MERCHANDISE
COST
Printed Blue UNOPAA Scarf
$20.00
Blue UNOPAA Tie
$20.00
QUANTITY
SUBTOTAL
Printed Blue UNOPAA Scarf Custom UNOPAA Tie Bar
$20.00
UNOPAA Cufflink
$20.00 Printed UNOPAA Tie
UNOPAA Lapel Pins
$10.00
Challenge (UNOPAA/ANF) coins
$25.00
PAYMENT OPTIONS
Please note – GST, postage and handling included
Custom UNOPAA Tie Bar TOTAL $............................
CHEQUE OR MONEY ORDER Send cheque or money order in mail, payable to “UNOPAA”, and this form completed with your order to PO Box 7099, KARABAR NSW 2620 DIRECT CREDIT - INTERNET TRANSFER Account: UNOPAA Merchandise S2 BSB: 815000 Account: 100343942 Reference: <your last name> and ‘MRCHDS’ in the reference field Then e-mail details of the transaction including your reference number and a copy of this completed form to heldale.cooper@gmail.com
UNOPAA Cufflinks
DELIVERY DETAILS
UNOPAA Lapel Pins Title (Mr, Mrs, Ms, Dr, Rank)
No/Street
First Name
City/Suburb
Last Name
State
Post/Zip Code
Challenge (UNOPAA/ANF) Coins Email
Country
Mobile
Phone
The United Nations & Overseas Police Association of Australia (UNOPAA) will accept returned products/merchandise where: • The product is faulty, or not fit for purpose, or the product does not match the sample or description. Proof of purchase (UNOPAA merchandise receipt) must be provided in order to: • Obtain a refund (by cheque) will be provided or re-issue alike article.
IMPORTANT NOTES The UNOPAA will take the utmost care in packaging; however, we will not accept any responsibility for goods damaged in transit. The UNOPAA will not accept returns where the product or merchandise is ordered specifically for an individual (eg Montage, clothing, etc) All queries for return of merchandise must be received within 30 days from date of purchase and directed to the UNOPAA Merchandise officer @heldale.cooper@gmail.com. Item returns will be at the discretion of the APPVA Merchandise Officer provided the above criterion is met in the first instance. Please choose carefully as UNOPAA cannot accept returns due to a change of mind.
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