Thirty years since Kiwi Coy

It’s been 30 years since New Zealand sent the first of three infantry Company Groups, Kiwi Company I, II and III to the former Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Over the weekend of 21/22 September these three companies will gather in Wellington for a reunion.

In the early 1990s tensions in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia escalated into civil war. New Zealand sent nine military observers to contribute to the United Nations Protection Force (UNPROFOR) in 1992. By 1994, the conflict had worsened and, in response to a UN request, New Zealand sent a 250-strong Infantry Company Group, Kiwi Company I.

New Zealand personnel monitored compliance with agreements, patrolled, restored utilities to civilian populations, repaired infrastructure and generally aim to improve freedom of movement and quality of life for the locals.

WO1 Mario Ropitini (currently seconded to Veterans' Affairs) was deployed with Kiwi Company 1 in September 1994. He commanded a two vehicle Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) Section, whose role was to transport infantry, carry out patrols, escort convoys and staff checkpoints.

“At checkpoint B12, a bus of armed Bosnian Croats arrived, and as they were getting off their bus they raised their weapons and started firing into the air. They looked relieved to be off the front line, but we didn’t know what they were going to do” said Mario.

The Yugoslav winter provided another challenge. “We had to find ways to pass the time while staffing checkpoints, where temperatures got down to minus 20°C”.

Lieutenant Colonel (Retd) Gerard Wood (also at Veterans’ Affairs) served as a Military Nurse and said “It was very rewarding that we were able to look after our people, and treat some of the locals when access to medical treatment for them was difficult”.

In 1995 the Governments of Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia agreed on a comprehensive peace settlement, prompting a decision by the New Zealand Government to withdraw the New Zealand Force.

This was New Zealand’s first combat unit supporting a UN peacekeeping operation and the personnel involved were a credit to New Zealand’s reputation overseas.

For more information about the Bosnian reunion, 20 September, Wellington please check their Facebook page at Kiwi Coy (Bosnia) 30th Anniversary Reunion.

Kiwis in the former Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, in brief:

• UN Protection Force in Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Macedonia (UNPROFOR)

• 1992 to 1996.

• Kiwi Company I, September 1994 to March 1995.

• Kiwi Company II, March 1995 to September 1995.

• Kiwi Company III, September 1995 to January 1996.

• New Zealand’s involvement included a reinforced infantry company, military observers, headquarters and support staff.