A written tribute to Pacific operations

SUBMISSIONS from soldiers are sought for a book about life and work on Operations Anode and Bel Isi.

Capt Reuben Bowd, 10FSB, is writing the book under sponsorship from the Army History Unit (AHU).

The achievements and experiences of those involved in Operation Bel Isi, the Peace Monitoring Group (PMG) in Bougainville, and Operation Anode, the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI), will be permanently remembered through this publication, intended to become a primary information reference on these operations.

The book’s title is proposed to be Doves Over the Pacific: In Pursuit of Peace in Bougainville and the Solomon Islands, and will promote public awareness to the collective achievements of both operations.

It will serve as a pictorial tribute to those who served from Australia and overseas (in civilian and uniformed capacities) to promote regional peace and stability.

A broad subject area will be covered, including the history behind each deployment, daily routine and lifestyle, and more specific functions ranging from medical and logistic support to chaplaincy.

Of particular interest, a nominal roll of all participants (including non-Australian contingents), will be included as an appendix.
Capt Bowd is asking for factual accounts from ADF personnel who served on the operations, to add to the book.

An Op Anode and Op Bel Isi veteran, Capt Bowd served as a logistics plans officer in the PMG (June to August 2003) and deployed in command of the Logistic Support Troop during the second rotation of personnel to Operation Anode (November 2003 to March 2004). His first hand experiences of the operations will significantly contribute to the value of the final product.

He hopes to have the book finished mid next year.

Capt Bowd has already written one book sponsored by the Army History Unit, based on a little-known but vital intelligence agency, which was central to the allied victory against Japan during WW2.

The book, titled A Basis For Victory: The Allied Geographical Section, 1942-46, is soon to be published by the Strategic and Defence Studies Centre at the Australian National University with foreword by CDF, Gen Peter Cosgrove.

General submissions for inclusion are welcomed, as also are any photographs and other illustrations that contributors may consider noteworthy. Enquires and submissions can be made electronically to reuben.bowd@defence.gov.au.