Maj Tom White and Captains Steve Tilbrook and Chris Smith meet up again on overseas service. Photo provided by Capt Chris Smith

Three amigos reunited

By Capt Chris Smith
MAJ Tom White, Capt Steve Tilbrook and I linked up for the second time on operational service with the UN.

As young officers, we all served together as infantry platoon commanders with B Coy, 2 RAR, part of the second Australian contingent to the United Nations Assistance Mission in Rwanda (UNAMIR II) in 1995.

Currently we are serving with UNTSO in the Middle East. As there are only 11 Australian officers serving with UNTSO, and there were only three infantry platoon commanders serving with the second contingent to Rwanda, the reunion of these three officers in the Middle East is unique.

Our association and service in Rwanda is unique for other reasons.

Capt Tilbrook was the recipient of the Medal for Gallantry following his role in protecting Australian medical personnel during the massacre of civilians at the Kibeho displaced persons camp in April 1995.

He is the first Australian infantry platoon commander on operations since Vietnam to be the recipient of a bravery award.

I served in Rwanda after having graduated from the RMC just two months before the deployment and having spent only five weeks with the company.

Interestingly, Captain Tilbrook and I have enjoyed almost parallel careers since 1995.

Both have served as adjutants with RQR battalions, as instructors at RMC and now as observers with UNTSO.

Maj White's career, on the other hand, has followed a different path, including service in East Timor with 3RAR and Aide de Camp to the Land Commander.