Unified Task Force in Somalia (UNITAF): 1992-1993

OPERATION SOLACE

 

Australia: 21 December1992- 20 May1993.

 Strength: Approx 1,500.  1 RAR, Battalion Group, Australian HQ and HMAS Tobruk.

 AO: SOMALIA

                 By late 1992, the catastrophic situation in Somalia had outstripped the UN's ability to quickly restore peace and stability, mainly because the UN was hamstrung by insufficient forces and UN peacekeeping principles and methods could not cope with the need to sue force in such complex situations.  On 3 December 1992, UN Security Council Resolution 794 authorised a coalition of UN members led by the US to form UNITAF and intervene to protect the delivery of humanitarian assistance and restore peace.

                Australia deployed an Infantry Battalion plus supporting elements, including a Squadron of Armoured Personnel Carriers, HQ Staff, Engineers, Communications and Electronic Warfare, and Administrative elements and HMAS Tobruk.  The RAAF were also used to move the Australian Forces to and from the Area of Operations from Australia and conducted regular resupply missions.

                 The Battalion group operated the 17,000 square kilometre Baidoa Humanitarian Relief Sector in southwestern Somalia.  The Battalion group was very successful at fostering and protecting humanitarian relief efforts and won widespread international praise for its efforts in restoring law and order and re-establishing functional legal, social and economic systems.  On 2 April 1993, Lance Corporal Shannon McAliney, Royal Australian Infantry, was accidentally shot dead on patrol during these operations.

Killed:   (1) Lance Corporal Shannon McAliney, RAINF, 1st Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment. Wounded: 3

Injured: 1

 VEA: Schedule 2

 Awards: AASM (75-) Clasp “SOMALIA”.



 

     

 

  
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