Middle East milestone
Volume 11, No. 48, July 27, 2006
By Cpl Mike McSweeney

Well done: Capt Ash Collingburn receives his ASM, with Middle East clasp, from Land Commander Australia Maj-Gen Mark Kelly.

ARMY has just marked 50 years of service with the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation (UNTSO) with a commemoration at HQ UNTSO in Jerusalem.

Commander Australian Contingent Lt-Col Jim Burns said the contingent’s 12 officers on Op Paladin gathered at HQ UNTSO in Jerusalem on June 9-10 for an international reception, commemorative service and formal dinner.

“While the commemoration was structured to showcase the Aussie UNMO, reinforce Australia’s commitment to UNTSO and give appropriate remembrance to 50 years of service, it also recognised that Australian commitment had not been without risk,” Lt-Col Burns said.

The commemorative service gave opportunity to reflect on Capt Peter McCarthy, RACT, killed in January 1988 by an anti-tank mine in Southern Lebanon, becoming UNTSO’s 22nd fatality.

The formal dining-in night introduced guests representing the 23 UNTSO nations to Australian Army customs and traditions while paying homage to Australia’s 50-year commitment to UNTSO and the peace process.

Land Commander Australia Maj-Gen Mark Kelly travelled to Israel especially to host the events.

UNTSO CoS Maj-Gen Clive Lilley from New Zealand was among the special guests at the dining-in night, which included the Australian ambassador to Israel, Mr Tim George, and the Australian ambassador to Jordan, Mr Trevor Peacock.

Maj-Gen Lilley recognised the importance of the Australian contribution to UNTSO during his speech at the formal dinner.

“Australian UNMOs give a tremendous amount to this mission and should rightly feel proud of their endeavours,” he said.

Maj-Gen Kelly also awarded the current Op Paladin contingent with their ASM Middle East clasp during the proceedings.

MA to the CoS UNTSO Maj Clare Swiderski said, “It’s the first time the entire contingent had been awarded service medals as a group in a number of years.”

In another ceremony, Maj Swiderski was promoted from captain by Maj-Gens Lilley and Kelly.”