Blue Beret January 2000

The Blue Beret Volume 36 - January 2000

New Force Commander

Christmas in UNFICYP

A runway too far ollowing in-struc- prehensive and easy to Published monthly by the Public tions from New follow. My instructor, Mr Information Office of the United Nations t the beginning of this new millennium, FYork that UNFICYP Andreas Ayre, was very staff HQ Force in Cyprus, HQ UNFICYP, PO Box personnel would be professional and remark- 21642, Nicosia, Cyprus UN personnel, and soldiers and police required to use different ably patient, an admirable Tel: (02) 864550/864416/864408 officers serving under the flag of other software packages in the quality because some Fax: (02) 864461 A year 2000, training cours- people absorb informa- E-mail: [email protected] organisations, are still deployed in many troubled es were arranged to tion much quicker than areas worldwide. They serve the peace as best ensure that as many others. I have already Editorial Team office personnel as possi- started applying Access they can, by observing opposing forces, patrolling ble would easily transfer to catalogue all traffic Charles Gaulkin from the present use of accidents involving Maj Paul Kolken areas of operations and reporting violations. They Corel Office Suite to MS UNFICYP. I also use it Miriam Taylor serve the peace by giving people hope, simply by Office 2000, now the for the Property Survey 2000 Office being there and showing that somebody cares. standard UN word-pro- Board.” Photography cessing, spreadsheet and Julia Girma (Inventory Contingent Photographers And they serve the peace by performing their database program-mes. Control Assistant in the Computer software train- General Services Sec- duties impartially. ing courses offered are tion) will use the same Unit Press Officers Many have spent the festive season away from MS Office 2000 (Word, package for inventory Sector 1 Capt Luis Cormick Excel, Access and control, and her depart- their families, up in their sentry box or manning a Powerpoint) and ment will also use it as a ERET Sector 2 Capt Neil Richardson radio in a faraway operations centre. Although we AutoCad. database for routine B Sector 4 Capt Andreas Vas The company awarded inspections and quality Capt Gregorij Hvastja would all prefer to be at home with our kin, it is the contract for the provi- control of contractors and sion of software training contract management. At LUE good to realise that we are the lucky ones, giving ....of mice and (wo)men... Maj Zános Hatos is Emphasys Interactive the end of the year, statis- B UNCIVPOL Sgt Michelle Lomas-Travers help as opposed to receiving it. Solutions Ltd. Training end towards the end of invited to fill out a ques- tics will indicate how

February 2000. tionnaire at the end of the trained

HE UN Flt 1/Lt Pablo Ribnikar was carried out in one of contractors fare and how It is also good to focus on the results of our Because of limited course, and their com- editorial T MFR Capt Alberto Reyes the conference rooms at they are graded. work. Often the process towards a just and viable the International resources, training was ments have so far been The facilities and FMPU 1/Lt Yge ten Berg Cafeteria in HQ UNFI- not possible for all UNFI- very positive. options of the MS 2000 Civil Adm Roger de Weever solution to a problem is a slow one. It requires a CYP. A total of 75 par- CYP personnel, so partic- Christopher Gelsthorpe, software programmes ipants were selected by Claims Assistant, says: Civil Aff Cpl Maj Mark Kingston lot of patience and many minor successes to ticipants, civilian (both will greatly enhance doc- international and local), taking into account the “It was a pretty intensive ument preparation and The Blue Beret is the in-house journal of create one total success. military and police per- type of work they were course, especially for presentations, as well as the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Each of the 1,500 members of UNFICYP con- sonnel, will have com- concerned with as well as those who had never improve general efficien- Cyprus. The views expressed are those of pleted the training cours- their expected length of worked before with data- cy in office administra- the authors concerned, and do not neces- tributes in his or her own way towards the cre- service with the mission. bases. I found the course sarily conform with official policy. es, which began on 15 tion. The magazine for UNFICYPs civilian, military and police personnel November 1999 and will All participants were I was on (Access) com- Articles of general interest are invited from ation of these minor successes, thus helping to all members of the Force. Photographs, achieve the final aim. We wish everybody all the 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2 0002000 2000 2000 2000 2000 together with captions, should accompany 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 the articles. best for this new year, and hope that in UNFICYP, 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000resolution years new My 2000 The copyright of all material in this journal only a few more minor successes are needed. 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 is vested in United Nations Publications. 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 Any article or illustration may be repro- 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 duced with the written permission of the The editorial team 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 Editor. 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 Editorial 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 Attila Szõke, Paul Mair, Contents ...... 2 2000 2000 20002 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000Craig 2000 Taylor,2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 Pte, Liri troop: Capt, HQ JOC: MSgt, HQ Ops: HQ staff Office 2000 trained 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000“There’s 2000 not 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000“I intend 2000 to 2000 2000 enough2000 2000 space 2000 to 2000 2000“To visit 2000 my 2000sis- 2000 2000 2000 My New Year’s resolutions ...... 3 write to my girl- 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 describe2000 2000 all the2000 2000 2ter 0002000 in the USA 2000 2000 2000 2000 Interview with Maj Gen de Vergara ...... 4 friend more for the first 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000tasks 2000 I would2000 2000like 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 often.” to fulfil.” time.” Interview with Maj Gen Rana ...... 5 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 Team in Sector Two...... 6 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 A regimental celebration...... 7 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 Christmas articles from UNFICYP ...... 8/9 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 A runway too far 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2 0002000 2000 2000 2000 2000 Message from the Secretary-General .....10 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 Visit of Argentine Ambassador 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 OC UN Flt 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 Alf on duty ...... 11 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 Unit Flag presented 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000Natalia 2000 2000 Epuleff, 2000 2000 John2000 Harmans, 2000 2000 2000 2000Paul 2000Nadeem, 2000 2000 2000 2000

IN THIS BLUE BERET: 2 Mulled wine and chips 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000Pte, Sector 2000 20001: 2000 Cpl,2000 Ypenburg: 2000 2000 2000 2 0002000Chief Fire 2000 2000 2000 2000 Visit to Apostolos Andreas Monastery....12 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 “I’ll2000 prepare 2000 2000 to 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000Officer: 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000join the 2000 Army 2000 2000 “To2000 go 2000 home 2000 in 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 Police news ...... 13 Academy in 2001 good health “I’ve got no 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 after2000 my 2000 tour 2000 of 2000 2000new year’s 2000 res-2000 2000 2000 2000 Sport...... 14/15 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000to become 2000 an 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 Front Cover: The UNFICYP Christmas Carol Service engineer officer." duty.” olution.” Crowd riot control training ...... 16 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2 January 2000 - The Blue Beret The Blue Beret - January 2000 3 utgoing UNFICYP Commander, Major ew UNFICYP Commander, Major General General Evergisto Arturo de Vergara, is leav- Victory Rana, has arrived on the island with a Oing the island confident that a solution to the Nclear vision of what is expected of him. The Cyprus problem will be found. 54 year-old Nepalese army officer cites the mandate A veteran of two other UN peacekeeping mis- given to UNFICYP by the Security Council as the sions, having served in UNTSO in 1984-85 as a mil- guiding light for his role as Force Commander. itary observer and senior operations officer, and in “That is the mandate we have. At my level, I will the former Yugoslavia in 1993-94 as a deputy sector make sure that it is being followed to the letter,” he commander, General de Vergara can look back on says. his own personal experience of conflicts, now seem- Rana - a veteran of two previous UN peacekeep- ingly on the way to resolution, to back up his argu- ing stints with UNIFIL in Lebanon - has already, in ment. the month that he has been in Cyprus, had the oppor- “Who would have thought that in 1985, the war tunity to assess the quality of his colleagues at UNFI- teamwork excellent the Maintain Rana: in Lebanon would have stopped, or who would think CYP headquarters. He has been impressed by their the problem in the Middle East would be on the way calibre. to a solution?” he said. “I think I am very lucky to find a very good team But he admitted that patience was a key to suc- here. The Chief of Mission is a thorough gentleman, cessful peacekeeping and peacemaking. an excellent person. A very experienced hand who “How many people have come here with the best knows the ins and outs of the problem that exists intentions, and were unable to see results?” he said. here. He places himself above trivialities and focus- “But they have to be patient. Peace achieved es his energy on the greater perspective. So I think I through hard effort has a greater chance of surviving am very happy to have the present Chief of Mission. because any peace achieved easily can be easily The Senior Adviser, having been here for over destroyed. Whatever comes easily goes easily as three years, has a thorough knowledge of the situa- well.” tion. He really knows his job well and gives valuable UNFICYP gave the General his first experience Major General Evergisto Arturo de Vergara on advice, as and when required. of commanding a UN peacekeeping mission. the sacrifices of peacekeeping: “You go to a place, The CAO is a very competent and able person Regarding Argentina’s burgeoning role as a making several personal sacrifices, which is to who is playing a very effective role in improving the provider of UN peacekeepers - the country now has leave your home country and your beloved ones. overall efficiency of our mission here. He is trying to make it cost effective and is striving for the maxi- the largest Contingent within UNFICYP - General And then you want to see solutions at once. Major General Victory Rana signs the hand- de Vergara said the fact that the country’s population However, you know that this is not something that mum utilization of limited resources.” can be achieved straight away. It takes time. After Meanwhile, on the military side, the Chief of over/takeover document in UNFICYP is made up of immigrants from all over the world Headquarters. gave Argentinians a natural advantage in peace- a while, all peacekeepers realise how useful their Staff is, according to Major General Rana, “a fine efforts were, especially when they see that a situ- officer with a full grasp of the goings on in our mis- keeping. Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst in the UK. So “You can find all nationalities without exception ation was solved.” sion area. I find him to be the ideal coordinator of the various branches that we have here. He seems to be a we came here on a military exercise. In those days, at in Argentina,” he said. “Spanish, Italians, ones is on both sides. And people’s wounds are on the end of each year, you had a final exercise abroad Austrians, Greeks, Turks, Arabs, Russians, Jews, both sides, not just on the side that lost. So when you very dedicated and hard worker who expects results. So you can see that I am very happy to have this called ‘Battle Camp’. So in 1967 I had the opportu- Ukrainians, Welsh, English, Irish, French, all of have such things in common, how can you remain nity to come here with the rest of the cadets. This them are in Argentina. You only have to walk enemies? You have much more to share than to dis- team around me, and I shall endeavour to maintain the existing excellent teamwork between our civil exercise took place in the south, in the British sover- through Sector One and read the names and you will agree on.” eign base area, mainly in Episkopi, although if I be surprised. This could be the reason why He predicted that such a reconciliation between and military personalities so that we can all focus our efforts towards achieving our common goal, which is remember correctly, we went to Dhekelia as well. Argentinians are so tolerant,” he added. “If we were opposing forces will also be seen among Cypriots Unfortunately, a few days after we arrived and start- not so tolerant, how could we live together?” one day. “It will happen. Both may find that they the achievement of our mandate in a healthy working environment. The welfare of the troops under my ed the exercise, there was civil strife here in Cyprus In General de Vergara’s own background, there have the same sufferings, and then the main task will and the exercise was called off. And we cadets from are connections with other contingents in UNFI- be to build the future because you won’t change his- command will be paramount,” he stresses. “As Force Commander, I must say that the safety Sandhurst were detailed to man certain areas in the CYP. tory. History does not go backwards, history goes south.” He explained that his great-great-grandmother forwards.” He said that Cyprus’s “heavy history” of of my troops comes first. But we must all expect the highest military and UN standards in terms of disci- He remembers it as an initial “small taste” of was Dutch, while his wrestling instructor when he over 5,000 years and more meant that “some peacekeeping. wounds take time to heal”. pline, professionalism, dedication to duty, efficiency, was a leading competitor in his youth was a and commitment. I also feel that in an international Asked what comparisons could be made with the Hungarian former “The first thing I told Cyprus of 1967 and the myself when I knew I setting such as UNFI- Olympic champion. CYP, it is important that present, the Force However, being was coming to a place Commander explains that was, in its own we blend our individual “I believe in leading by example. I expect Argentinian, and having “In life, nothing is eternal. national cultures togeth- that his 15-day stay on a large number of time, almost the centre to spend a lot of time visiting the various the island back then was So the fact that the Cyprus problem er so that it blossoms sectors we have here, getting to know the British troops serving of the world, was to into a cohesive multina- too short to leave indeli- under him less than 20 has lasted so long, means a solution is have deep respect for commanders and getting to know the ble memories. But a coming closer.” tional entity which once years after the two the people. Because the again is directed problems they face.” visit to the then bustling countries were at war people here have their port city of Famagusta, Interview by Noel Evdokiou towards a common goal, with each other, did own problems, their which is the fulfilment Interview by Noel Evdokiou and the contrast with the raise the inevitable own feelings, their own of our mandate. I firmly city’s current situation, question of whether history, so the least they believe it is up to those had made an impres- there was any awkwardness in his dealings with the deserve from anyone coming here to help was of us in the highest echelons of this mission to set the sion. British Contingent. respect. example and motivate those under us towards the “Back in 1967, the country wasn’t divided,” he He replied: “Do you know how many nationali- This respect was reflected in the way I behaved achievement of this very important goal that we recalls. “So there were the Turkish Cypriots as well ties we have in the force? We have 12. Tell me with with both sides, trying to promote tolerance, trying have. The different cultures represented within as the Greek Cypriots who lived side by side in De Vergara: Patience is the key to success how many of these countries has Britain fought with to promote understanding, trying to mediate, and not UNFICYP should be used as a plus point. We must Famagusta. It was a very busy city, I thought, and a in her history, and the reply is, all of them. We trying to impose anything.” be open and must accept the cultures of the other very nice one. I went there the other day on my visit (Argentinian) soldiers had a war with the British Looking back on his time on the island, General nationalities that are involved here. We've got to be to Sector 4, and as we flew over, I saw the southern some 17-18 years ago, but we are soldiers. We have de Vergara also acknowledged the debt he owed to open-minded and learn to live together in the spirit of portion of the city which was unoccupied, and I def- a common link, which is the military profession. the other members of the force, and particularly the the UN reality.” initely saw a big difference from my first visit.” The unique feature of soldiers is that when they soldiers. While his appointment at UNFICYP is Rana’s The Force Commander concludes: “I feel pleased fight, they don’t hate. So when the war is over, and “Whatever we have done here couldn’t have first as a UN force commander, it is not the first time to have been given this opportunity to come here as you can read about this in history, former foes meet, been done without the help of everyone, police, mil- he’s been in Cyprus, nor even his first experience of Force Commander and will do my utmost to fulfil the and former foes even talk about the war. Because we itary, and civilians. In particular, the soldiers, so, just the island’s political problem. responsibilities placed upon me. I sincerely hope that know that in that war, we have relatives, mothers, for them, before leaving, I would like to express my “In fact, the first time I was here was in 1967,” he the Cyprus problem will be solved soon and that fathers, wives. The lamenting of the loss of loved full devotion to them.” says. “In those days, I was an officer cadet at the there will be peace on this beautiful island.” 4 January 2000 - The Blue Beret The Blue Beret - January 2000 5 he Staffordshire Regiment, now stationed in Ternhill, has its origins from four Regiments of TFoot: the 38th, 80th, 64th and 98th.The senior of these regiments, the 38th, was formed in 1705. In 1881,

the regiments became linked to the county of Ferozashah Day, Staffordshire.The 38th and 80th became the 1st and 2nd Battalions of the South Staffordshire Regiment and the 64th and 98th the 1st and 2nd Battalions of The Prince of Wales's (North Staffordshire Regiment). This title was reversed to The North Staffordshire Regiment (The Prince of Wales's) in 1920. In 1959, the present-day Staffordshire Regiment was formed. Throughout its history, soldiers of the regiments, in their various guises, have served in every corner of the globe. During the First World War, Staffordshire raised 25 battalions which fought in all the major battles. In the Second World War, South Staffords formed part of the Chindit forces and were selected as air landing troops seeing action in both Sicily and Arnhem. The North Staffords served in India, Burma, were at Dunkirk and in Sector 2 took part in the Anzio landings. In the post war years, the regiments served in Germany, Egypt, Palestine, Korea, Northern Ireland and the Gulf. Most recently the regiment was the penultimate to garrison Hong Kong before the handover in 1997, and completed a six-month tour of West Belfast in 1998. In keeping with the British Army tradition of animal mascots, The Staffordshire Regiment has a Staffordshire British-Dutch teamwork in S2W team Bull Terrier. The first, 'Boxer', was with the South After the Ferozashah dinner, the Colours are returned to the Officers’ Mess Staffords as they arrived in Egypt to relieve General showing true Stafford grit, he rejoined the Battalion a few Gordon at Khartoum in 1882. He unfortunately jumped days later having followed them almost 200 miles along mong the four regimental later, Britain declared war. toll. With the line disrupted and from the train taking the troops south from Cairo but, the railway line.The present-day mascot is Watchman IV. Adays the Staffordshire Ferozashah was the second of troops entirely exhausted, the Regiment celebrates, three major battles fought by the order to retire was given.The right a regimental celebration he Alfa Squadron of the 103 Armoured Napoleon at Quatre-Bras and Waterloo, joined the 10- Ferozashah day is the most impor- British during the Sutlej campaign. flank was ordered to advance and TReconnaissance Battalion form the Dutch contribu- Day Battle (10-Daagse Veldtocht) during the Belgian tant. It commemorates the actions The first, Moodkee on 18 through shot and shell and smoke tion to Sector 2. The 100-man strong unit will be uprising, defended the Netherlands against the German of Her Majestys 80th Regiment of December 1845, had seen the so thick the soldiers could hardly observing and reporting in the western part of the invasion and went on missions to Java and Sumatra. Foot (Staffordshire Volunteers) British victorious and with the Sikh see the man standing next to him, Sector 2 area of responsibility. Fulfilling UNFICYPs When our battalion was formed, during the Berlin during the Second Sikh War in army now split in two, the high they eventually reached the Sikh mission for a period of six months is completely differ- crisis in 1961, we also received our battalion crest. It is 1845 and in particular, those of command were keen to advance entrenchments. Quickly they were ent from anything the unit has done in its rich history. a brandmark which was used in Prussia at the famous Colour Sergeant Matthew and attack the Sikh forces, estimat- amongst the guns and furious The regiment whose traditions we carry, the 4th German Trakehnen stud farm. Therefore, our Kirkland. ed at some 35,000, hastily fortify- hand-to-hand combat ensued. Regiment Huzaren van Boreel, most recently served in battalion is also known as the Trakehner Battalion. In 1843, the British Govern- ing the town of Ferozashah. Beyond the artillery the Sikh Bosnia (1997), says Squadron Commander, Major Although we will surely miss Soesterberg, where ment followed a campaign in the At 1600 hrs on 21 December, infantry lined up. Under a fierce Robbert Verbrugh. But our history goes back to 1813, my unit is located, we feel warmly welcomed under the Scinde region of India and annexed the British commanders were in a volley and charge from the British when the regiment was founded. Our hussars received wings of the 1st Bn The Staffordshire Regiment, assures it. This caused consternation position to attack the Sikh troops, their lines broke. Suddenly, battle honours during various actions. We fought Major Verbrugh. amongst the Sikh leaders, and for entrenchments, with the 80th of a group led by a soldier carrying a the next two years, there was Foot formed up on the right of the large black flag counter-attacked. much unrest. On 11 December British line. The left of the line With Captain Best and Captain Introducing: 1845, the Sikh Army moved into advanced first and the Sikh Armys Scheberras killed during this the Sutlej region, and two days accurate artillery fire took a heavy attack, it fell to Colour Sergeant Lieutenant Colonel Kirkland and Corporal Brown, aided by other comrades, to defeat Chris Hughes the enemy.Amidst gunfire, slashing swords and stabbing bayonets, ieutenant Colonel CGS manding his company in England Colour Sergeant Matthew Kirk- LHughes, Commanding Offi- and Northern Ireland. land seized the Black Standard. cer 1st Battalion, The In January 1995, he was posted as Colour Sergeant Kirkland, who Staffordshire Regiment (The Prince Chief of Staff HQ 19 Mechanised was severely wounded later that of Waless), was commissioned into Brigade serving a tour with day, was rewarded with promotion the regiment in 1984 whilst the bat- UNPROFOR in Bosnia. In August to the commissioned rank of talion was garrisoned in Colchester. 1996, he was promoted to he Stafford Regiment has the Ensign. After completing two years as a rifle Lieutenant Colonel and took over TQueens Colour and the Regi- The Black Standard now hangs Platoon Commander, he took com- the post of Military Assistant to the mental Colour. Originally carried in the Regimental Chapel at mand of the Reconnaissance General Officer Commanding into battle to rally troops, they are Platoon serving in Germany. still a symbol of pride. Emblazoned Lichfield Cathedral. Each year the Northern Ireland. Regiment celebrates Ferozashah In 1988, he took over as Adjutant on the colours are 75 of the 157 bat- In December 1997, he took com- tle honours won since 1705, the lat- Day, with the Colours being cere- of the 1st Battalion, deploying to mand of 1 Staffords. He has com- est being the Gulf War. moniously handed into the care of the Gulf on Op Granby 1990 in this manded the Battalion in Ternhill, appointment. On returning from Shropshire, on operations in West Four Regimental days, Ypres the Warrant Officers, Colour Day, 31 July, Ferozashah Day, 21 Sergeants and Sergeants Mess. the conflict, he attended Division II Belfast and in Kenya on Exercise December, Anzio Day, 22 January, Staffords and Hussars form They are returned to the Officers of the Army Command and Staff Grand Prix. and Arnhem Day, 17 September, Course before returning to regi- Lieutenant Colonel Hughes is commemorate the actions of prede- Mess after the Ferozashah dinner in mental duty with 1 Staffords, com- cessors. the evening. married with two children. Officers discussing the battle of Ferozashah 6 January 2000 - The Blue Beret The Blue Beret - January 2000 7 by by Capt Andreas Vas .....atmosphere Capt Luis Cormick ...in Sector 1

ector 1 staff officers practised the true other Merry Christmas. n early December, 16 members of the Austrian Christmas spirit on 24 December. In Sector 1, the chefs proved their skills Spittal/Drau garrison visited Sector 4 to entertain SEach one of them visited two or three by cooking many delicious dishes which Ithe peacekeepers with evenings of traditional mil- patrol bases and observation posts to wish crowned the dinner table. Several soldiers itary and Carinthian songs. Five times in total and at season’s greetings to the soldiers spending had their families on the island, and those different locations, the choir laid down a perform- Christmas along the green line. who were absent were in our hearts. But ance. This way each member of Sector 4 was able to The staff officers were not the only ones we consider ourselves part of one big fam- visit, listen, and be in touch with home. who were very busy that day. For all ily, the ARGCON family. Peacekeeping comrades from other nations were priests, Christmas is a busy period - and it Of course, for the little boys - and not so was no exception for our priest. He cele- little - midnight brought the arrival of Papá invited to attend a performance in the all ranks can- brated mass in Brown Base, Roca Camp Noel (Santa Claus) with his bag full of teen at the UNPA. The prospect of a promising choir, and finally in San Martín Camp. Thechoir gifts. It was really very moving to see the led by choirmaster WO2 Horst Zach, the availability also participated in each mass, singing tra- children around him asking for their pres- of glühwein and apfelstrudel and a comforting fire ditional Argentinian Christmas songs. ents. This made us feel quite at home. attracted many colleagues who got value for money. As in many other countries, it is cus- UNCIVPOL members from Dhenia and Especially since this event was free! tomary in Argentina to celebrate Linou Stations were our guests. It was our civilians, police and military in UNFICYP Christmas with the family. Several delica- pleasure to have them with us to share this and hope that this new millennium will cies are cooked and served. Then at mid- important festivity. bring you and your families prosperity and night, we bring in 25 December with a All Sector 1 members wish a Merry happiness...... carols, prayers and blessings toast - wine or champagne - wishing each Christmas and a Happy New Year to all the

ather Umberto Barato's beautiful Church by of the Holy Cross, just inside Paphos Gate, Capt Tony Seager .....between ceasefire lines Faccommodated delegations of the Force contributing countries on the occasion of the hristmas, the most festive of sea- for the chef to pro- annual UNFICYP Christmas Carol Service on sons, a time of family and friends vide the most 11 December. Cand a time to give and receive. important ingredi- Each nationality performed in its mother Now, for only the second time in my ents. Pte Longhurst tongue. Some even arranged musicians to sup- life, I would not be spending Christmas had spent four hours port the singers. A guitarist and a tambourine at home with my family; would it still be in the kitchen and I player from Argentina and two Austrian trum- the same? think we were all Along with the other 20 members of glad of his efforts. peters gave the service some extra flavour. Ortona Platoon, I would be spending Without roast Representatives from all strands of UNFI- Christmas Day not in the regimental turkey and brussel CYP read lessons, while chaplains from four home of Staffordshire, but between the sprouts, the decora- different nations offered prayers for armed ceasefire lines as a member of the tions would have forces, peace, our leaders and our families. United Nations Peacekeeping Force in failed to im-press Those lucky enough to be present appreciated Cyprus. If the day were to bear any anyone. this moment away from the green line, a resemblance to a traditional Christmas, The OC, CSM and moment to think about peace and family. Go in peace it would be up to us to make the effort. CQMS were on Following some minor reorganisation of hand to act as wait- the kitchen and dining room, we ers but, more importantly, to dis-tribute remaining can of our daily ration and the arranged one long table with room for the free beers provided by company pool championship began. I tried hard .....lunch at Ypenburg the whole platoon to sit down together at funds. but couldn’t win. the same time. Pte Stalker, the newest member of Before long, the day darkened and it hristmas is an occasion That’s exactly what hap- The Battalion had provided some the platoon, said a few words, crackers was almost over. A very different occa- you should celebrate at pened at Ypenburg. To allow decorations and the boys made some were pulled, presents opened and we sion from the norm. It may not have been Chome with your family. each soldier of Sector 2 West to more. The table began to look more in were ready to begin. I for one enjoyed a traditional white Christmas, but it was But when this is not possible, attend one Christmas lunch, tune with the occasion. The very un- my lunch, although I’m not so sure still a good one. I was grateful for my you go for second best. Your there was one on Christmas Christmas-like dining room was fitted WO2 Baker did, as I ended up wearing present and, despite some sceptical com- comrades will be your family, Day and another one on Boxing out with streamers, balloons and some most of it. Obviously it would not be the ments, I definitely witnessed most of the Christmas..... the padré will host a service Day. The Dutch soldiers, home-made banners. We just about had same without Christmas pud and brandy boys playing with theirs. and the chefs will prepare a together with their British col- enough cutlery, although a few lads sauce, although I was a bit disappointed It may be strange to be away from Christmas meal almost as good leagues from Irish Bridge, were forced to rumage through their not to find some money in mine. home at such an important time of the as mother would do. Christmas enjoyed the three- course bergens to find the full compliment of Once we had cleaned up the extraor- year, but it just goes to show it’s not crackers and regimental place- lunch, which could be washed spoons. dinary amount of mess we had managed where you are but who you’re with that mats, to be kept as a memento, down with a glass of wine. But With the table laid, it only remained to make, we retired to the bar for the makes the difference. help to deliver the finishing only one, because duty still A meal served in the Christmas spirit touch. calls. by Capt Zsolt Hatos .....near UN 92

by Sgt Michelle uilt in the Byzantine era, the it has the name of Stephen, the first Lomas-Travers .....in bed small chapel of St Stephan sits in Hungarian king who founded the Bthe Buffer Zone. In 1996, Hun- Hungarian State exactly 1,000 years hether sick in bed or out working on the line, garian soldiers began renovations, and ago, we thought it would be good to the members of ARGCON were not forgotten the work was finally completed by Sgt repair the chapel and celebrate by Santa Claus when he came to town. Balázs Szemerszky and MCpl Bertold Christmas together in this very special W Gazsi of Sector 4 in off-duty hours. place.” On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, members of Asked why they had devoted so And so it happened. On 25 UNCIVPOL/Sector 1 donned the fluffy white beards much of their spare time, they said: “It December, mass was conducted by and pointy red hats to deliver a little extra cheer to all was very sad for us to see this lovely padrés Diebl and Trauner - with the the UN OPs from the Kokkina enclave to Mammari. chapel in such a poor condition. Since help of the Hungarian choir. 8 January 2000 - The Blue Beret The Blue Beret - January 2000 9 owadays, Nicosia International contractor was used to supply the materi- the resurfacing was to use an automatic Airport is a quiet place. No planes als and any additional plant required. sensing device regulating the varying Argentine ambassador visits UNFICYP Nlanding or taking off anymore. No This contractor also possessed an asphalt depth over the entire runway. Materials at tourists or businessmen strolling through plant close to the airfield capable of pro- the start of the job came from Kato the terminal building. ducing marshal asphalt required for the Lakatamia some 10 km west of the air- r Gil l 8 de diciembre pasado el Embajador Only the occasional off-duty soldier patching and resurfacing of the runways. field. The Royal Engineers would meet MEspeche, EArgentino en Israel, Sr. Espeche Gil,

By Cpl Maj running along the straight and even run- The exact extent of the damage was the trucks at the access road to the airport the Argentinian visitó el Campo San Martín. Lo acom- Mark Kingston ways disturbs the silence. And in the dis- really unknown, due to the amount of and then take over its delivery and even- Ambassador in pañaba su Señora esposa y el Comandante tance, you might observe a golfer search- debris spread about the runways, but the tual use. Later, the bulk supply of asphalt Israel, visited San de UNFICYP,General De Vergara. ing for his lost ball. preliminary survey showed several bomb came from Akrotiri, a distance of some Martin Camp on Una guardia de infantería le rindió los The runways didn’t always look as craters up to 12m in diameter and 2m 120km with a journey time of some four even as they are hours. Repairs 8 December, honores correspondientes a su entrada al now, seemingly to the surface accompanied by Campo. Luego de los saludos protoco- ready to be used scars created by his wife. This is lares al Jefe y Segundo Jefe del Sector 1, again. During bomb blasts and the third time asistieron a un oficio religioso que fue the conflict of other small Mr Espeche has celebrado para conmemorar el día de la July 1974, both arms were a visited Sector Inmaculada Concepción de la Virgen the main and major problem. subsidiary run- One since taking María. Durante la misa, nuestro coro This was over- up his position. canto por primera vez en público ento- ways were come by using a severely dam- trial material Escorted by nando canciones y villancicos navideños. aged, caused called 'Eponite Maj Gen de Luego de la misma, el Embajador

mainly by air D4", an epoxy Vergara, they almorzó junto a los oficiales del Campo y One Sector attack. The based pitch pro- attended a mass, los Jefes de Compañía. responsibility duced by Shell. followed by a Esta es la tercera vez que nos visita for maintenance It was mixed lunch in the desde que asumió su actual cargo en of the joint user with sand to area being that Camp. Mr Israel. Nos expresó estar orgulloso, como produce a Espeche expres- argentino, de nuestra presencia y buen of the British strong and long Government un- lasting filling sed his apprecia- trabajo en Chipre cumpliendo misiones too far der the 1960 material. This tion at the wel- de paz. Agregó además que en el Campo Cyprus Treaty proved to be a come he was San Martín se siente como en su propia Agreement, an tedious task but given and said casa ya que todos le dispensan un trato immediate sur- it did reinstate how proud he agradable y afectuoso. Nuestra respuesta vey was made of the surface to a was of his sol- a tan amables palabras fueron que esta es the whole air- first-class fin- field on 26 July diers serving in la manera en que nosotros recibimos a ish. The relia- UNFICYP. todos nuestros invitados. 1974. This was bility of these to determine the This is what you call an engineer’s challenge repairs is, how- extent of the ever, still to be damage and planning was started for its deep. There were numerous smaller put to the test as nothing larger than one repair. Due to the high political sensitivi- craters produced by rocket and mortar of UN Flight’s helicopters has landed on Lt Col Héctor Ludueña, ty of the project, it was not known at this fire and extensive surface damage from the airfield since its reconstruction. time who would carry out the work or other weapons. In the last days of the project, the supply the materials. In order to return the airfield to its brief was changed from full international In May 1975, nearly 11 months after former glory, it was necessary to reinstate OC UN Flight the conflict, the UN finally broke the all the damaged surfaces. This, of course, standards to a tactical airstrip. All the political deadlock by agreeing to pay for would need to be done to a very high resurfacing had been completed, and t Col Héctor Ludueña is the new Conflict, carrying out a number of suc- the repairs to the runways in return for standard in the minimum available time some remarking using road marking LOC of UN Flight. cessful missions. In 1993, he was pro- paint was carried out on the main runway, the use of the airfield under UN jurisdic- and using the readily available materials He was born in Córdoba City in moted to the rank of major. tion. This was in the hope that when the and labour, namely the British military but was stopped before completion. airfield was once again operational, an and its resources. The task of repair to the runway was a 1957, and was educated in the Escuelas Lt Col Ludueña now has a total of runway agreement would follow to bring the air- The full recommendations were not complex and difficult one under the condi- Pias institute in the same city, graduat- 4,875 flying hours to his name. He is port back to international use. accepted and the workforce was instruct- tions, but was met head on by the professionalism of the Royal Engineers. Thanks ing in pedagogy. currently doing a course on human At the end of May 1975, the final ed to return the runways to an interna- He joined the Air Force in 1975 and resources at Buenos Aires university. go-ahead was given to carry out the tionally accepted standard in the mini- to their hard work and ingenuity, the airfield repairs to both runways. The major mum time and at minimum cost. doesn’t look like a scarred surface any obtained his wings in 1979. In 1980, he He is married to Mónica and they more. Unfortunately, it’s still only the UN

A restriction was that no Cypriot labour After complete clearance of the site became a helicopter pilot and in 1982, have 22-year-old twin daughters, Laura was to be employed on the airfield at any and cleaning of the craters in preparation soldier who uses the ‘run’way. He’d be all he participated in the South Atlantic and Paula. time in order to maintain political rest. for filling, it was found that the extent of too happy to make way for modern jets This meant that all the work had to be the damage was greater than first antici- connecting Nicosia to other international carried out by the British military. A local pated. The technique used in perfecting airports. Alf on duty Message from the Secretary-General ne of the two Austrians in the pleted his national service, he studied OForce Military Police Unit is history and political science at the uni- Dear colleagues, dear friends, nations. Its history will be written in blood give thanks: to the founders of the United Alfred (Alf) Bratranek. Hes our man versity of Vienna and graduated in and tears, but also in the ink of our United Nations who gave us a vision which still in disguise, because if you meet him 1999. I usually write to all of you at this time Nations Charter. guides us today; to the pioneers and prede- of year, looking back upon the year grown This year, the 54th in the life of our cessors who turned that vision into an indis- out of uniform, you would never Whilst in the national reserve, he old and wishing you the very best in the Organization, has put it to new tests. We pensable Organization; but most of all to believe hes in the police force. went on several training courses, one new. But this year I feel we must all look have worked together to take on tasks that you, my dear colleagues and friends. Born on 7 March 1971 in Vienna, of which was with the MPs two years back not only on the year just past, but on are unfamiliar to us. And we have come Because what has never failed us in the life Alf is not exactly a typical Austrian. ago. This resulted in him being sent to the century we are about to leave. together to mourn losses that have become of our United Nations is the commitment of He doesnt know how to waltz and he Cyprus in March 1999. It is a century that has seen bloodshed far too familiar to us, the deaths of beloved men and women like you. We remain unde- cant ski. So, if he is not a typical Alf is much more than just an MP. unparallelled in the history of humankind, colleagues. We have seen in our work a feated because you have continued trying. policeman and he is not a typical Not only does he go on patrol, but hes but also the renewal of hope. It has seen reflection of the complexity and drama of That is something in which you can take Austrian, what is he? also the station commander, barman, humanity pull back from the brink of self- the world at the end of the 20th century. great pride. As we start work afresh in the Alf is a militiaman. This means hes entertainer, and always lends a friendly destruction and start building the defences And we have seen where we can do better in new century, I want you to remember that. of peace. It has brought unprecedented the 21st, where we might break new ground To you and to those close to you, I wish a in the national army reserve and during ear to his colleagues. human suffering and untold devastation, but and, not least, some old habits worth break- very Happy New Year. his conscription, he attended a number Youll no doubt have an enjoyable also a new era of human rights and human- ing. of military courses and exercises. time with Alf if you meet him off-duty, itarian intervention. It has seen the birth of For me, as Secretary-General, the turn Yours sincerely, At the age of 18, Alf became a but beware of him if youre caught our United Nations, and of many new of the century also provides an occasion to Kofi A. Annan conscript as an engineer. After he com- speeding. 10 January 2000 - The Blue Beret The Blue Beret - January 2000 11 y addressing the audience in his mother tongue, Dr Franci Back to BDemar, the Slovenian Minister of Defence, made clear he was in Unit flag Cyprus mainly to meet with his own Cyprus via MPs at work soldiers. The proud members of the Slovenian Contingent surely appreci- East Timor ated this gesture, as well as the reason presented for laying down a fine ceremony in the late afternoon of 20 December, ike many of his military and as Dr Demar used the occasion of Lpolice colleagues, for his visit to present the unit with her Superintendent Steve Polden, his colours. Less than half a year after mission with UNFICYP is not the giving their main camp a truly first occasion he serves abroad. He Slovenian name (Triglav), another was first in Cyprus during 1996- step in the history of the Slovenian 1997 when he carried out the contribution to UNFICYP was made. duties of Police Liaison Officer. During the candlelit ceremony, When Steve saw the oppor-tunity, he, along with 282 other police Commander Sector 4, Lt Col “No, this skid mark is too short for the millennium record.” Helmut Plieschnegger, compliment- officers, went to East Timor for the ed the visiting minister on the profes- elections in 1999. He was posted ne split second of losing holic drinks. sionalism and the peacekeeping per- as Liaison Officer to the attention in Nicosia’s rush Finally, arrangements are made formance of the young army's sol- Indonesian Police on 12 June and Ohour can mean hours of work with the Cyprus Police on how to go diers. was evacuated to Darwin, Austra- for members of the Force Military about a further investigation, if nec- Acting Force Commander Col lia on 7 September 1999. Police Unit, as when a force mem- essary. Jeremy Brooks noted that by con- “Serving in that mission was ber reports a collision one dark In this particular case it was tributing forces to peacekeeping mis- one of the toughest jobs I've ever December Friday night. quite clear. The civilian driver sions, the Slovenian government been involved in,” he says. “But Upon accepting the incoming entered a one-way street from the clearly shows its interest in world the fact that the UN mandate was call, the duty police officer tries to wrong direction. Time to write final peace in the global perspective. accomplished, in that the election get directions to the exact place of reports and close the case. Next Official statements made, it was r Franci Demar is Buffer Zone. They guar- went ahead and there was a clear the accident and inquires if there are please (or rather not!). time to celebrate this happy occa- Dsure his visit to anteed that over the result for independence, was any injured persons. Luckily there sion.A glass of champagne to hail the Cyprus will be noted in Christmas period, the rewarding and is a credit to all aren’t any. Then a team is tasked to unit flag awaited every visitor.A cosy Slovenia. home front would read involved in the mission.” visit the spot and gather as much rel- fire produced the right atmosphere A group of journal- and view their reports evant information as possible. Police and the Sector 4 chefs delivered the ists from home accom- about UNFICYPs mis- Upon arrival the team leader finishing touch by demonstrating panied him for the day sion and the Slovenian starts taking statements from both they had mastered the art of prepar- when he visited the contribution to it. the drivers. “Are you on duty, have ing a high-class buffet. you been wearing your seat belt, was your car functioning well before the accident?” In the meantime, his compa-tri- ots start measuring all kinds of 1,719 pilgrims to Apostolos Andreas things, like the width of the street

Sector Four and the length of the skid marks. t took 43 buses to and 1800 hrs. By exe- They establish the condition of the bring a total of cuting the pilgrimage road, write down what the visibility I1,719 pilgrims to in this way, a crush in was like, and test the drivers on “And were you wearing visit the holy site of the the small church, seen Steve Polden returned to Cyprus whether or not they consumed alco- your seat belt?” Apostolos Andreas during previous pil- monastery in the grimages, was avoided. Karpas peninsula on Traditionally, pil- 30 November. There grims bring candles to Tip for good company were 200 pilgrims light at the shrine of more than last year. the monastery, and This high number collect sand and gt Paul Whittaker arrived on the was left to fend for itself, just waiting made it necessary to blessed water to bring Sisland a month ago to work in for a new “mum” to come along. divide the total into six home. Sector 4 in Pyla. A keen gardener, he After giving the pup a hot bath groups. UNFICYP moni- decided it was about time the house and a good feed, the UNCIVPOL Each group had tored the long return had a touch of greenery added to it. members had a major duty… to think the opportunity to journey, which luckily Paul quickly found some flower- of a name for the young German attend one of the serv- didnt see any inci- pots and, deciding he needed some shepherd cross: what else could they ices between 0600 hrs dents. soil, headed to the local rubbish call their new pal, but “TIP”. Greek Cypriots at their beloved Apostolos Andreas dump. Whilst loading the soil into his Unfortunately the accommo- flowerpots, he noticed some move- dation in Pyla does not allow for a 4- ment in a nearby pile of rubbish. week-old puppy, so the UNPA Dog Using his police investigative Shelter was contacted. After veteri- Mulled wine and chips skills, he discovered a small black nary checkups, it was found that Tip, and brown bundle of fur. With a bit of although very young, is in excellent n every Sunday during Advent, soldiers Not only mulled wine was on sale, but so coaxing, the bundle of fur came out health. Oof Sector 4 HQ Coy organised a were chips and macaroons. Guests even had of its temporary home, a garbage No doubt Tip will be quick to find mulled wine stand after mass at CDL V in the opportunity to buy a special Christmas bag, and waddled towards his new a good home, and yes, the Pyla police Famagusta. A special mixture of red wine 1999 mug for CYP2. found friend with his tail wagging. accommodation has some lovely spiced with cloves, cinnamon bark, sugar, All money raised during the four Advent More investigating revealed the flowerpots full of blooming gerani- Tip in the arms of Sgt Jonny water, lemon and orange pieces was sold to Sundays will be donated. A local charity is pup’s mother had passed away and it ums! Lancashire their guests. soon in for a nice surprise. 12 January 2000 - The Blue Beret The Blue Beret - January 2000 13 a Compañía Charlie del Contingente harlie Coy in Argentino ha desembarcado en Chipre con ARGCON has recently Violations at Lartillería pesada. No nos referimos a ningu- Hercules acquired some “heavy na clase de munición o pieza de artillería. Nos C artillery”. This does not refer Camp Brown! referimos al Cabo Primero de Infantería de to any kind of munition, but Marina Roberto Miguel Condori quien actual- in rather to an Argentinian navy by Lt Richard Hoy mente presta servicio en el OP 42. El practica marine who goes by the name fisicoculturísmo y el 8 de mayo pasado obtuvo en of 1Cpl Roberto Miguel hursday 9 December attending from all of their la ciudad de Buenos Aires el Subcampeonato UNFICYP Condori, Sector One’s saw what is probably company locations, as well Argentino en la categoría hasta 80 kilos. “Hercules”. Ta record number of as representatives from the El fisicoculturísmo, según manifiesta quien Roberto has been practis- incidents and violations MFR. ostenta el título, es un deporte de exhibición de ing body building since the against elements of the UN The first incidents crecimiento muscular, en forma progresiva, del age of 16, but it was only two in Camp Brown, Sector 1. occurred during the foot- cuerpo humano. Para tener una ima gen deseada y years ago that he finally The incidents included ball match with numerous poder competir, se requiere de mucho sacrificio y decided to take part in com- over-manning, intrusion, intrusions onto the pitch esfuerzo. Otro secreto es la alimentación. Debe petitions. Then last May, he moves forward, threats to by spectators eager to sup- ser cuidadosamente preparada y debe ser bal- achieved second place in the the UN, photography, port their teams. This was anceada y de máxima calidad. latest Argentinian Champion- demonstrations, and UN firmly but fairly stamped El Cabo Condorí ha practicado este deporte ships (up to 80 kilos) which casualties. out by the referees, who desde los 16 años de edad pero recién dos años took place in Buenos Aires. What is more shocking would not tolerate such atrás ha comenzando a participar en competen- Although this is an exhibi- is that all these violations action. However, the num- cias. tive rather than an active were committed by ser- ber of incidents increased Según sus palabras, es duro entrenar y a la vez sport, it is still necessary to ving soldiers of the UN, as the first teams were cumplir su tarea como Infante de Marina ya que train regularly and keep against fellow UN mem- knocked out of the league cada actividad requiere una adecuada atención. strictly to a special diet. This bers. Fortunately for the and the semi-finals kicked Sólo con sacrificio y real vocación puede asumir is hard to achieve when serv- new Force Commander, it off. There were complaints y llevar a cabo ambas responsabilidades con un ing in the marines, however was all in the name of of over-manning in the referees reversing the deci- With it all resting on the desempeño adecuado. Pero nuestro "Hercules" Roberto, who is a devoted sport, and not an internal goalmouth, and a number sion, proving that a vocal third, and the teams tiring, también tiene una familia y estudia profesorado family man, manages to do breakdown of discipline. of minor casualties as the yet peaceful protest can be no one was expecting the just this, plus studying for a For Sector 1 had staged an teams strove for a place in fruitful. The Camp Rocca umpire to call a re-pull de inglés. intercompany football, the elusive final. A demon- Sostiene que el fisicoculturísmo es sano y que, degree in English, certainly team won the final, quite after the MFR strayed out advocating the proverb that a volleyball and tug-o’-war stration against a goal that comfortably beating the of their lane. This time it al igual que todos los deportes, mantiene alejado competition with teams had been awarded saw the del alcohol, el tabaco y la droga a quienes lo prac- healthy body leads to a MFR 7:4. was the turn of the Marines tican. healthy mind. With the Marines win- to stray out of their lane. Sports ning the volleyball, all that Both sides petitioned as was left to complete the suggestions of a re-match reach the final, day was the tug-o’-war or a call for a draw were and the Adju- No revenge competition. Despite alle- discussed. In the spirit of tant and Cpl gations of over-manning on the UN and sport, a draw Russell sus- he football grounds of the UNPA the rope on more than one was declared with a sigh of taining early occasion, a standing OP relief coming from both Sports Twere the scene of the rematch for the Boxing Day injuries in the Staffords against the Dutch Trakehners could not produce any firm teams, who could now final, the game on 2 January. For the Staffords, this evidence to support this. nurse the abrasions on their quickly turned match should set the record straight, fol- Even if there had been, it arms and aching muscles. in HQ Com- lowing a 9-0 defeat during the training was not going to effect the The whole day was ap- pany’s favour. period in Tern Hill. inevitable clash of the proached with great enthu- Their selector During the first half, the Staffords MFR and Argentine siasm and goodwill by had done well, managed to score a beautiful goal. Even Marines in the final, as everybody. The Marines with three of well-trained keeper Nieck Verhart both teams won all of their from Camp Brown were per- by 2Lt C Tye the squad being couldn't stop the ball. It took the Dutch pulls. fect hosts, which only added regulars of the half an hour before Cpl Jeffrey Damerie The final was to be the to the success of the whole managed to score even. best of three pulls with the day. aking full advantage of the Battalion football team. Their ball skill quickly In the second half, Hussar Edwin first going to the MFR and weather, 1 Staffords held a Kuitert and Cpl August Karperien man- the second to the Marines. 5-a-side football and vol- brought the tally to 2:0 through Single smash in double block T goals from Sgt Bennett and the aged to secure the game, putting the leyball competition on Boxing score at 3:1. Not the high numbers of the Day followed by an all ranks RSM. first match, but definitely not the out- Relatively inexperienced at BBQ. With the sun shining and 22 come the Staffords will be satisfied with. hree teams from UNFICYP The first team home for teams participating, the competi- volleyball, 10 teams of varying For sure we'll see more attempts to 12 Signal Unit abilities took to the court, with a set the record straight. Trakehners: be Ttook part in the 12 Signal UNFICYP finished in 4th position got underway. Unit Walkdown, with partici- tion. Known as the ‘Lynch With football being the bat- good performance from Ledra warned. platoon seeing them to the semi- walk pants free to choose whether Mob’, Diana Bridger, Mary talion’s primary sport, there were they would run or walk the Dellar and PO Con Lynch naturally a lot of young stars keen finals before being eliminated. HQ Company reached the course. would probably have made the to display their talents. The d This event, which took place medals, had it not been for Quartermaster’s team, odds-on finals again, this time playing a team from the MT. It was a close- on 4 December, started in Mary’s heavy cold! The second favourites, managed to knock o Platres (in the Troodos moun- UNFICYP team home was the themselves out with an own goal run match, but the MT, having recently sampled the delights of tain range) and finished in ‘Lion Boks’ (Cpl Colin Gent, in the first match, much to the Episkopi, a distance of just his wife Caroline and Cpl Heidi relief of the battalion headquar- the BBQ, were notably less enthu- w siastic to dive around the court, over 32km. 60 teams of three Boreham), and the third team ters’ side. With many a game started off, each with one was ‘Forest Gump & Co’ (Mrs being settled in a penalty shoot and were finally beaten by 3 n points. novice, one female and one Janet Forrest, Maj William out, BHQ found themselves in the expert map reader. All carried Style and WOII Mark final facing Headquarters Com- a back pack containing a first- Kingston). Of the 56 teams to pany. With BHQ having played competition aid kit, a torch, water, some complete the course, the UNFI- the last two games back to back to Edwin Kuitert in action clothes and a whistle. CYP teams did very well. 14 January 2000 - The Blue Beret The Blue Beret - January 2000 15 Always try to solve problems at the lowest possible level by using your negotiating skills. But at the same time, be prepared to deal with tense situations. Practise your military and police techniques to maintain your level of professionalism.