UNAMIR II - Australian Medical Support Force to Rwanda - Personal/Sub-Unit diary [ASC I COs diary LT Col P McIntosh] 25 Jul 1994 to 16 Dec 1994 - Part 8

Thursday 17 November

[*Folio 186*]

The sitrep for the period 162200 to

172200 Nov is at Folio 186
[*Folio 187*]

Handover notes for the specialist rotation

prepared by MAJ Crozier are at Folio 187.
[*Folio 188*]

A report on the TSG Butare prepared

by LTCOL Wertheimer is at Folio 188.

A reconnaissance was conducted of

the hospital at Rwamagana to determine

whether assistance was required. The

ICRC representative and the local

medical staff were not keep for any    

assistance. As usual, they are more

concerned about protecting their turf than

maximising the support that can be

provided to the local people. They

did ask, however, for assistance with

the repair of their Xray facility, which

we will provide.

During the evening, a group of 

Officers and SNCOs attended a

farewell cocktail party for BRITCON.

It was held at the Belgium Village

recreational facility. After we left,

approximately US$1800 worth of 

damage was done to the facility by

intoxicated Officers and SNCOs.

Friday 18 November

[*Folio 189.*]

The Sitrep for the period 172200 to

182200 is at folio 189

CAPT Schramm and WO2 Villante

accompanied the SMO on a visit to

the NICOY RAP today. It would appear that 

there is no requirement for medical

assistance in Sector 1, despite the fact that

CO NICOY has been requesting support

through the Force Commander. It would

appear that this is another case of 

the local RMO protecting his turf at the

expense of the local people.

We were briefed today on the 

plan to return Rwanda to normalcy which

has been sanctioned by the UN security

Council. The plan involved all parties

working together, including the BBGNU, UNAMIR,

UNRSO, NGOs, UN CWS, UN agencies, RPA.

Details of the plan have not been

announced to the mess or to the 

civilian elements at this time. The 

planning phase will commence next week

and will conclude on 1 Mar. The Operation

will commence on 1 Mar 95.

I did a ward round of the hospital

today. We have only two UN patients

and five civilian patients. I also

visited our staff working in the NOO

wards. They are doing an excellent

job supervising and training the local

nurses. Already, they have a management

plan for each patient and the infection

rate has been brought under control. We

intend to gradually improve the standard

of nursing care so that it reaches a

level that is sustainable.

I heard a charge of an infantry

soldier who was drinking in uniform

at the Kigali Airport as he was leaving

on ROCL and he also stole a

helmet liner from the Spanish aircrew

of the UN aircraft. He also made a

nuisance of himself on the aircraft.

I awarded him 14 days detention

and a fine of $300.

The first First Aid Course concluded

today with all students passing. The

first aid cse is the first module of

the Combat Medics Course. Selected

individuals will complete the Combat

Medics Course.

Saturday 19 November

[*Folio 190*]

The Sitrep for the period 182200 to 192200

is at Folio 190.

The RSM and CO attended the BRITCON medal

presentation parade at the Stadium at

0900 hr. Medals were presented to the

tour guards by the FC, DFC, CO BRITCON

and CO 23PFA.

CO and OC Rifle Coy walked around

barracks and CHK to be briefed on

the defence plans by the Platoon

Commanders. Formal plans have been

drawn up, complete with diagrams.

At this stage, the shelters located

in each main building will be

developed only. The pits will

be developed as the security

situation dictates.

[*Folio 191*]

The statistics for Intelsat and Payphone

Facy for the north of Oct is at Folio 191

The In-Survey Instruction is at  Folio 192

the UN In-Survey is to commence on

Monday 21 Nov 94.

The ATN7 crew from Real Life arrive from

Goma during the evening and an outline

programme was agreed.

Sunday 20 November

[*Folio 193*]

The Sitrep for the period 192200 to

202200 Nov is at Folio 193

The ATN7 crew wished to visit the scene

of one of the massacres as part of their

documentary. We escorted them to a

church South of Kigali where about 300 - 400

people were killed shortly after 6 Apr

and their bodies remain unburied. We

had considerably difficulty in obtain

access to the site as the Prefect had

closed it off because somebody had

interfered with the bodies. We eventually

won entry to find that many of the skulls

had be lined up in rows outside. We

later learned that this had been done by

the Human Rights Commission without consent or

consideration of the spiritual beliefs of the local

people.

The remainder of the day was spent with

the news crew coordinating interviews and 

coverage.

The [[?]] Sect returned from Gisenyi

today. They have submitted a report on their

training of the African Bn in small craft

handling (Folio 194).

[*Folio 194*]

A Summary of Enger Tasking completed

during the period 11-17 Nov is at

Folio 195.

[*Folio 195*]

Monday 21 November

[*Folio 196*]

The Sitrep for the period 202200 to

212200 Nov is at Folio 194

COL Warfe, OS GADF, arrived on the C30

from Australia this morning. The C130

delived stores and gifts for children from

Australia as well  as stores and amenities

items from ASC UNOSOM.

ATN7 continued to cover the activities

of the contingent. Their brief was to profile

the specialists but they realised that

they were only part of a team and so

they branched out to provide much

wider coverage.

The Legal Officer visited Nairobi with

the Chief Operations Officer UNAMIR, COL Arp,

to attempt to have a MOU signed

covering offences committed by UNAMIR

troops whilst on leave in Kenya.

We have been attempting to have a

similar MOU signed for some time. If

they are successful, then there will be

no requirement for us to have a MOU.

The In Survey was conducted today

and was very successful. It was

accepted in its entirety by the UN

In Survey team. This is the first time

in AS UN history that an In survery

has been successfully completed.

Tuesday 22 November

[*Folio 197*]

The Sitrep for the period 22200 to

222200 is at Folio

The ATN7 crew departed on the morning 

aircraft to Nairobi.

COL Warfe visited the SW sector

by road. The visit also included the

old TSG site at Butane. After leaving

the TSG location the road party were

involved in a shooting incident with

the RPA. The initial incident report

is at Folio 198. A Supplementary

[*Folio 198*]

Incident Report is at Folio 199. The

[*Folio 199*]

incident was reported to LHQ and DPR.

I feel that the section 2IC, LCPL

Jacobson, and his soldiers performed

superbly. They showed enormous restraint

and resolve not to shoot the RPA soldier,

which would have resulted in 

significant escalation of the incident.

In the afternoon the Director of CHK

and to staff from the Ministry of Health

visited the hospital without advice and

remanded that COL Ramsey visit

the Minister of Health within 48 hours.

I attended a clinical meeting

in the hospital during the evening. It

was very well attended by MSF

Staff, NGO and CA medical staff. SQNLDR

Peter Clarke gave a very good

presentation on AME. Four other medical

cases were presented by AS and CA

specialists.

Wednesday 23 November

[*Folio 200*]

The Sitrep for the period 222200 to 23200

is at Folio 200.

The Legal Officer returned from Nairobi with

a signed MOU between UNAMIR and the

Kenyan Police (Folio 201).

[*Folio 201*]

COMASC, COL Warfe and myself toured toe

CHK NGO wards to review the work being

done by MSF staff. COMASC then went to 

visit the Minister for Health. The Minister

advised that he wanted the hospital to

start providing beds for VIPs and expressed

concerns at the time taken to get the

repairs to the upstairs wards completed. The

Minister was told that could be treated

but it was up to them to approach us.

He was also told that further repairs

would not be completed until the MOU

was signed. He agreed to sign but 

didn't do it immediately.

COMASC and CO MSF agreed that it would

be prudent for us to look for another 

venue which could house both the

hospital and the accommodation. If we are

forced out then we will cease all 

humanitarian work at CHK.

COL Warfe received a briefing covering

intelligence, legal and MSF overview. He

then toured all parts of MSF and spoke

with the soldiers. He was most impressed

by what he saw.

In the evening, a RAR dinner was

held. It was attended by all available

RAR members plus those who can have

previously served in the RAR from other

Corps. The attendance was about 110.

It was a very successful night. The

CO gave the key note address.

Thursday 24 November

The Sitrep for the period 232200 to 242200

is at Folio 202.

[*Folio 202*]

A summary of the Engr tasks completed

during the period 18 Nov - 24 Nov is at

Folio 203.

[*Folio 203*]

The ADJT completed an inspection of the

TPT Sect and submitted a report at

Folio 204. My reply is at Folio 205. It

[*Folio 204*]

[*Folio 205*]

is aparent that sub units are not

maintaining their vehicles and equipment

as well as they should. A review will

be conducted and a training session

will be conducted by Log Spt Coy.

COL Warfe departed Kigali for Nairobi

in the morning.

A report on the small craft handling

training that was conducted by ASLT PNR

Sect during the previous week is at

Folio 206. The report was not well

[*Folio 206*]

received by UNAMIR HQ, claiming that

we are idealistic.

The RRF was called out to provide

assistance to UNHRC who had one of 

their members assaulted by the RPA who

were attempting to steal their car. The 

RRF reacted within 5 minutes but

there was little that could be

done as the situation was in hand.

The incident had occurred two hours

before it was reported to us.

Friday 25 November

The Sitrep for the period 242200 to 252200

is at Folio 207

[*Folio 207*]

A Minute from the CO reminding all

commanders of their responsibility to ensure 

all equipment is maintained and managed

correctly is at folio 208

[*Folio 208*]

Received advice that the Rwandan Government

had written to UNAMIR to demand that the

barracks we are occupying by returned. I

advised UNAMIR HQ that if the accommodation

area moved then so would the hospital

and that if we moved we would

cease to provide any humanitarian

support to CHK and we would no

longer treat any RPA or Rwandan VIPs.

UNAMIR HQ promised to resist the attempt

to move us but I am not confident

as they have no resolve to force any

issues with the RPA.

The RPA continue to cause concerns within 

the community through random murder,

arrests, stealing etc. They have no concept

of how to win the hearts and minds of

the people nor do they seem to realize

the importance of this.

The clinic at Kibings Kibilira (9285)

went well. More than 70 patients were

treated and a survey was conducted

to estimate the extent of malutriention

in children. The local medics are

very capable but they have no MO.

We will continue to provide assistance

by treating patients who require more

advanced care than can be provided

by the local medical staff.

LT Jennings accompanied COMASC on

a visit to MAL COY and MALANI COY

during the day.

Saturday 26 November

[*Folio 209*]

The Sitrep for the period 252200 to

262200 Nov is at Folio 209.

The final orders for the EHS tour of

UN Contingents is at Folio 210. The tour is

[*Folio 210*]

of nine days duration and will provide

preventative medicine spt to six national

contingents from 26 Nov to 4 Dec 94.

The AUSMED weekly Sitrep for the period 

14 to 20 Nov is at Folio 211

[*Folio 211*]

The Legal Officers reply to the Rwandan

Gendarmeries traffic violation fines is at

Foilo 212

[*Folio 212*]

OC Rifle Coy conducted an areal recon

of the NIE sector to check possible evacuation

routes and ALGs for use as part of

our evacuation plan. He found no

suitable ALG.

Sunday 27 November

The Sitrep for the period 262200 to 272200

is at Folio 213

[*Folio 213*]

The revised weekly Routine is at

Folio 214.

[*Folio 214*]

The CO and RSM attended the Canadian

Contingent's medal presentation ceremony held

at the Amahoro Stadium at 1600

hr.

Monday 28 November

[*Folio 215*]

The Sitrep for the period 272200 to 

282200 is at Folio 215

The first Raven Instr Cse started

today. There are eight students.

The third First Aid Course also

commenced today.

Equipment management training for

all OCs and sub account holders and

managers commenced at 1600 hr. The

training was conducted by Log Spt

Coy personnel.

A medal presentation parade was

held for the In survey team as part

of the RSM's parade. The in-survey

team will depart on Wednesday.

MAJ Carnigan failed to attend the parade

despite being warned, no doubt because

he feels that he has never been accepted

as part of the contingent.

The Weekly Sitrep for the period

21 Nov to 27 Nov is at Folio 216

[*Folio 216*]

Tuesday 29 November

[*Folio 217*]

The Sitrep for the period 282200 to 292200

Nov is at Folio 217

The call for the raising and [[?]] ASC1's

end of rotation magazine is at folio 218

[*Folio 218*]

The Commanding Officer departed for Nairobi

and subsequently to the United Kingdom for ROCL - 

a well deserved break!

Business as usual for the remainder of the unit,

with the Preventative Medicine patrol working with

Ethiobatt in CYANGUGU and engineer EOD team

deploying to KIBUNGO to remove anti tank mines in

an NGO facility. CAPT Barett, SGT Swann and PTE

Walker conducted a brief medical session with

a group of recently arrived MILOB's in Kigali.

COs staff conference was conducted with the

general theme being that whilst things are not

hectic, lets ensure that the units equipment is

being correctly maintained and that all our personnel

reporting ie Platoon Commander's Notebooks etc, are

up to date. COMASC's weekly conference immediately

followed and he was briefed on our response

to UNAMIR plans for reinforcement within sectors,

and withdrawal and evacuation. These plans had

been handed to 93 Plans (LTCOL Brimelow) late

yesterday..

A decision was taken to postpone the 1/94

Combat First Aid Course until after Xmas, as the

TMP had still not arrived from Australia. Two

basic First Aid courses will be brought forward

to maintain the training schedule.

The Officers attending a brief farewell for the 

in survey team at the Sergeants Mess after dinner.

Maj Carrigan did not wish to attend. His UNAMIR medal

will be posted to him!

Advice received from LAH OPS that 2/4 RAR

had won the McDonald's Cup and had been placed

second in the Duke of Glouster Cup. This was

considered 'most credible' by the rifle company.

Wednesday 30 November

The Sitrep for the period 292200 to

302200 Nov is at Folio 219

[*Folio 219*]

[*Folio 220*]

At Folio 220 is a letter from the DFC

to COMD CANCON, COL Arp. The letter asks

for a ceremonial explanation on why

he had to lead and stand for a COL

of the recent CANCON medal pde. A pointed

msg to us all regarding his ceremonial

sensibilities!

I was called to a meeting at the Med Coy office

with COMASC and OC Med Coy at 1015 hrs. The surgeons had

reported that the NGO Theatre would be closing for 72 hours

to conduct a 'stocktake' - this would have an obvious

impact on our theatres workload. Our theatre had

already been earmarked for a mid tour scrub and

would not be accepting any cases. This would leave

CHK with no surgical operating area. OC Med Coy and

I discussed the problem with Dr Paul Jones, Samaritine

Purse, who confirmed that their theatre would still be

open for emergency cases. OC Med Coy, promised to assist

with his stocktake to minimize the 'down time' of their

facility.

FRAGO 8 to OPORD 20 arrived which had us

handing over the RRF responsibilities to INDBATT by NLT

071400 B Nov (sic) 94. This was contrary to previous

agreements between COS Ops / CO INDBATT / OPSO INDBATT and

myself (as OPSO). I visited two INDBATT locations, including

Bn HQ, with the RSM to agreed a hand over date. CO

INDBATT and I will request an amendment to the FRAGO

to sometime after the second INDBATT Coy arrives in country,

tomorrow.

Mr Charles Petrie, UNRED Deputy Coordinator, gave

a presentation to Offr / SNCO training this evening. He

provided a fascinating insight into the Rwanda

situation from May to the present and gave his views on

the military / humanitarian interface. He freely answered

a wide range of questions and in thanking him, I indicated

that the group was privilidged to receive such a frank person account.

Thursday 1 Dec 94

The Sitrep for the period 302200 to 012200 Dec is at Folio 221

[*Folio 221*]

This situation regarding the RRF handover was sorted out

by myself, CO INDBATT and COS OPS after prayers. It seems that

a 'forth' party had become involved, under the impression

that LCAUST wanted us to cease responsibility for the task

immediately. FRAGO 08 to OPORD 20 will be amended to

reflect a non specific date for the handover - after the second

INDBATT Coy arrives in country.

The local RPA Battalion Commander came to the

barracks to complain about the use of our APC. The crew

had just taken it for a run to charge the batteries. I explained

that UNAMIR had permission to use APC since early Nov 94

and allowed him to inspect the track pads. He had no

idea of how tracked APC's work and received a thorough

brief by CPL Rush, Maint Section, on how they operate.

Still not satisfied, he went to inspect the road surface for

damage but did not return (he indicated that we would).

I drove around about 1 ½  hours later and found

no evidence of APC movement on the roadway.

The 3/94 First Aid course concluded with PTE

Mosch, Rifle Coy, as the student of merit. The course

was well conducted and I was particularly impressed

by the quality of instruction by PTE Walker.

The DFC wrote to the CO with a letter of

commendation for the RRF call out on 24 Nov 94. In

particular, he singled out LT Jennings and CPL T.J. Brown.

I had them parade before me in the CO's office, with

their OC present, to pass on the commendation. Whilst

it was probably not the most impressive activity the

two of them have participate in, it was weloming

to get the recognition. The section involved will

also be thanked tomorrow.

Copy of the commendation is at folio 222

[*Folio 222*]

 Friday 2 December

The Sitrep for the period 012200 to

022200 is at Folio 223

[*Folio 223*]

A clinic was dispatched to Kibilra today, headed

by MAJ Bridgford and LTCOL Flynn. They saw 12 patients

whilst the dentist, CAPT Sherring, treated 20 cases.

CO's weekly conference was conducted with the

highlight of the 45 minute session being the discussion

on who is responsible for ensuring that toilet paper is

placed in the various toilet blocks. Quite quickly after

the conference a witty cartoon hit the noticeboards!

[*Folio 225*]

The manning of ASC 2 arrived in Signal format,

with quite a few of the unsuccessful ASC 1 reserves within

the lists provided. The new OPSO has been confirmed

as MAJ D. Galbraith, ex 1 RAR.

I closed the 1/94 Raven Instructors Course, which

was a well conducted and received^ course. The students were

required to teach a lesson as part of their terminal 

test and produced some good results, considering

that most were private soldiers. An extra course

will now be conducted next week on the success

of this package.

The Commanding Officer of INDBATT (1/3 Gorkka Rifles)

and his officers attended a BBQ and Happy Hour at

our Mess. A great night was had by all and it was

universally agreed that our two contingents should 

work well and socialize easily together.

The wife of the manager of Hotel Mille Colline

approached the unit for protection late during the

evening. They have been given a limited amount of

time to 'get out of the country' by the local authorities -

'Gendarmerie'. Petra has had an association with

the unit as she have birth to very premature children (twins)

in our hospital two months ago. The children only lived a

few hours and wer our Padre subsequently provided a

funeral service for the family. We provided a half

section for the evening, having informed COL Arp at

HQ UNAMIR.

Saturday 3 December

The Sitrep for the period 022200 to 032200 Dec

is at Folio 224

[*Folio 224*]

The rifle company confirmed the protection task for

the management of the Mille Colline and dispatched an

APC driver training team (CPL Jean and TPR Berry) to

GHANBATT. HQ UNAMIR have been unable to provide a driver

training area in Kigati, hence the move of the team to

Gikongoro. CPL Rootham accompanied the team to give him

an insight to APC's - he has been posted to 3/7 RAR (Mech) on RTA.

For the first time in ages, the hospital has no UN

soldiers as in patients. One NGO provides the sole UNAMIR

statistic.

I was approached by reporters for the New York Times and

Voice of America to conduct an interview at the Hospital.

Their general theme was the 'irresponsible attitude of the

RPA in their dealings with the civilian population and 

UNAMIR'. Their questions were wide, ranging as I tried

to bring them back to the medical work that we are

doing. They also caught on to the request from the RPA

for us to move from the barracks and hospital (?).

A very successful sports competition was conducted

in the afternoon and the first Gorilla trip for three

weeks departed at 1400 hr. The trip was "fully booked

out" and included four civilians from CARE AS and

UNRED.

Sunday 4 December

The Sitrep for the period 032200 to 0342200 Dec

is at folio 226

[*Folio 226*]

A quiet day for the unit. LACW Jones, accompanied

by a protection party of two, flew to ETHCOBATT to deliver

urgently required drugs.

Environmental Health Section assisted UNAMIR

elements located in Gittarama. They are due to

return to Kigali tomorrow.

Monday 5 December

The Sitrep for the period 042200 to

052200 Dec is at folio 227

[*Folio 227*]

The weekly sitrep for 28 Nov to 4 Dec is at folio 228

[*Folio 228*]

A group of six engineers, led by CAPT Hughes

departed for GISENYI to assist a famous Rwandan

resident, Mrs Ros Carr, as directed by COMASC. The

EHS patrol, under command of SGT Enchong, returned

from their nine day deployment. They will rest and

refit, before heading off to TUNBATT tomorrow with

WO1 Reidy.

I attended the Force Commanders monthly conference

with Commanding Officers and Sector Commanders. The

group was briefed on OP OVERTURE - an operation

planned to remove the criminal element from KIBEHO

and NDAGO DP camps. WNGO's were issued at the

end of the meeting - see Folio. The indicative

[*Folio 229*]

tasks for the unit left some doubts in my mind,

so I confirmed the requirements with DCOS Ops, COL 

Arp. We will have some problems in the area of

MO and NO manning, which will require some 

juggling in Medical Company.

Force Commander went to great paints pains to

emphasize that, although the RPA will provide two

battalions for the outer cordon and LO's to platoon level,

OP OVERTURE was not a joint operation - its is a

UNAMIR initiative! It has been approved by UN NY

and will be commanded by the Deputy Force Commander.

The Force Commander will be on leave at the time.

Note: All classified OP OVERTURE documentation

is located in the respective classified files.

These documents will be placed in CO's diary

when downgraded by the UN.

Tuesday 6 December

The Sitrep for the period 052200 to 062200 Dec

is at Folio 230

[*Folio 230*]

The ASC Weekly Sitrep for the period 28 Nov -

04 Dec is at Folio 231

[*Folio 231*]

The ADJT attended a UNAMIR Welfare

meeting today with the UN Welfare Offr and

welfare reps from each contingent. Very little to

report as this mission has not received any funding

and little 'drive' was exhibited by the UN staff.

The engineer group returned after a very interesting

two days, where they provided assistance and advice at the

site of a proposed orphanage. EHS deployed to TUNBATT,

the APC training team continued their support of GHANBATT2

and the SMO attended the FMO's monthly conference.

A meeting was held to coordinate arrangements

for the Xmas period. The meeting was chaired by myself and

included RSM, Padre, SO2 Pl, CAPT Burdock (OIC Choir) and

representatives from the sub units. It was decided to run a

contingent BBQ and carol service on Christmas Eve, BBQ

breakfast, then Church Service followed by Christmas lunch.

Boxing Day would include an Australian Sports day.

CO's and COMASC weekly staff conferences were

conducted. Staff were briefed, in outline, on OP OVERTURE.

Earlier in the day, I conducted a planning group with

OC Med Coy and OC Rifle Coy to settle on an organization

for our contribution. COMASC was briefed by myself and

was happy with our proposal.

At 1950 hrs the RRF was called out, again on

sketchy detail, to the scene of an RPA / MILOB vehicle

accident. RPA were drunk and insisting on the MILOB to

hand over his vehicle to them. Weapons were being brandished

by the RPA. The RRF responded quickly and were able to 

defuse the situation, together with a UNAMIR MP (Maj Plante).

The commander of the RRF showed a good level of

commonsense and made a significant contribution to resolving

the situation (Commander OC 1 PL - LT David Little). LHQ

were informed of the incident by facsimilie.