Soldiers silhouetted by the rising sun in East Timor. Photo by Cpl Belinda Mepham, Army newspaper Msn Jim Mathews bugles in the dawn on Anzac Day in East Timor. Photo by PO Kev Bristow

EM’s dawn perfect on Anzac Day

By Cpl Belinda Mepham
ANZAC Day, April 25, 2003 in East Timor was testament to the legend of the Anzac’s and the deep sentiment soldiers, sailors, airmen and airwomen feel about the occasion and being deployed on Operation Citadel and other UN non-operational projects.

In the regions surrounding Dili groups of AUSBATT gathered in their locations to quietly remember all of those who were part of previous conflicts.

Soldiers who have been killed in action and who have died in service to their countries and the UN here in East Timor, Afghanistan and other operations were honoured.

Obviously, operational requirements did not allow for a traditional program in the regions, members agreed that although a beer or two would have been nice, they said they felt honoured to be on duty, armed and ready.

Pte Kent Bloffwitch, D Coy 5/7RAR, said that serving in East Timor is not really comparable to the brutality of the landing at Gallipoli in 1915.

Despite this, he said that Australian soldiers are still very proud to be a part of what he thinks is the finest army in the world and extremely proud to continue the legacy.

In Dili, under the open arms of the Jesus statue, the multinational Peace Keeping Force (PKF) came together, with Turkey being represented by the Turkish Police Acting Contingent Commander Mr Yakup Palta.

The atmosphere, with candles burning, condensed with emotion while Rufino Alves Correira, the last known Criado from the Sparrow Force, laid his flowers in remembrance of Lt Tom Nesbitt.

Lt Nesbitt was assigned Rufino when the 2/2 Cdo Coy came to East Timor to fight the invading Japanese in 1942.

Rufino tracked, fed, nursed, carried and, on one occasion, even fought with Lt Nesbitt. The two comrades were like brothers.

WO1 Paul Kirton from the NZBATT prayed for the spirit of peace to all people while Cpl Glenn Moors from the Third Auckland North Regt rested on arms around the cenotaph.

Cpl Anthony Smith also in the catafalque party said he was particularly proud to be part of Anzac ceremonies while on Operations.

“It is fantastic, it has deep meaning for me as my grandfathers and my father all served,” he said.

“Being able to carry on the tradition because of what they contributed gives me a sense of satisfaction.”

Most available members attended the gunfire breakfast where the other nations serving with the United Nations Mission in East Timor PKF learned the fairness of chance by playing two-up.

At one of the oldest churches in Dili, which was nearly destroyed by the conflict in 1999, a service was held.

Members of Operation Citadel were awarded the United Nations Service Medal on parade at the Australian National Command Element with the UNPKF Force Commander.

Having followed tradition to perfection, the next only possible step was a good old Aussie Barbeque and a couple of beers to toast another Anzac Day.

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