Soldier’s service in Somalia honoured with Meritorious Unit Citation 32 years after operation

Some labelled it one of their most dangerous and horrific operations, now more than three decades after Somalia, 1RAR soldiers are finally being acknowledged for their sacrifice

Former 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, soldier Terry 'Burger' Conner, who deployed to Somalia in 1993 at the Meritorious Unit Citation Parade which recognised 1RAR for their outstanding courage and sacrifice during the humanitarian operation. Photo: Corporal Guy Sadler.

Some soldiers labelled it one of the most dangerous and horrific operations they experienced during their career, and now more than three decades after withdrawing from Somalia a Townsville Battalion is finally being acknowledged for their outstanding courage and sacrifice.

In 1993 a young and operationally inexperienced contingent of soldiers from the 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, entered the East African nation of Somalia and began what would be the largest land operation since Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam war.

Over the course of their 17 week deployment, personnel engaged Somali gunmen, witnessed streets littered with dead bodies and battled sweltering conditions and endless patrols with scarce water and resources.

The enquiry into the units service recognition included an excerpt from a former 1RAR section commander, Mr Sean Robinson, who described in shocking detail the horrendous conditions they witnessed during their deployment to Baidou.

“I’m haunted by the memories of children so malnourished they were skin and bone, without the strength to hold their own head up,” he said.

“People begging for the slightest bit of food and water and so desperate they would fight or kill to have some.

“It was not uncommon to come across a body or shallow grave, so shallow some of their body parts are exposed. And the stench; I will never forget that stench.”

1RAR Association patron Lieutenant General John Caligari's submission to the Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal helped get the 1RAR Battalion Group awarded the Meritorious Unit Citation for its deployment to Somalia 30 years ago. Private Adam Christensen from the 1st Battalion The Royal Australian Regiment talking to the local children in Somalia. Picture Corporal Gary Ramage

During the 17 week operation, the 1RAR battalion group undertook 1,100 foot patrols, seized almost 1,000 weapons from Somali forces and ensured the safe delivery of 8,000 tons of humanitarian relief all while battling sweltering conditions with minimal water and the danger of being attacked.

It was also found soldiers went the extra mile to build a positive relationship with the local community by supporting the reopening of schools, setting up orphanages and even taking part in a Australia vs. Somalia soccer match which was attended by more than 3,000 locals.

One Australian soldier, Lance Corporal Shannon McAliney, was killed by an accidental shooting while on patrol.

Four other servicemen were wounded during fighting with Somali gunmen.

However when the soldiers returned home their service was dismissed as just ‘peacekeeping’ despite their experiences.

Finally after 32 years, the Townsville based battalion is being recognised with a Meritorious Unit Citation for their outstanding performance for its service.

1RAR Association patron Lieutenant General John Caligari's submission to the Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal helped get the 1RAR Battalion Group awarded the Meritorious Unit Citation for its deployment to Somalia 30 years ago. Private Adam Christensen from the 1st Battalion The Royal Australian Regiment talking to the local children in Somalia. Picture Corporal Gary Ramage

Commanding Officer of 1RAR, Lieutenant Colonel Benedict Farrell said it was an honour to host the veterans, including the former commanding officer and Governor-General of 1RAR David Hurley, for such a momentous occasion.

“Todays not really about the battalion … it’s really about the veteran community who deployed on the operation but I think most importantly it’s actually about recognising their service,” he said.

“It’s been over 30 years, they have lost comrades since then and so this is a pretty emotional day for them.”

The parade on Monday afternoon featured a static display of equipment and modern capabilities and the presentation of the citation to the soldiers.

Originally published as Soldier’s service in Somalia honoured with Meritorious Unit Citation 32 years after operation