4 minute read
25 years since East Timor
In 1999 the people of Timor-Leste overwhelmingly voted for independence from Indonesia, however instead of respecting the outcome pro-Indonesian militia began brutal cross border raids into East Timor.
They caused a breakdown of law and order, the destruction of villages and the deaths of hundreds of East Timorese.
To restore order New Zealand, Australia, South Korea, Thailand and the Philippines formed the United Nations backed International Force East Timor (INTERFET). It was the beginning of New Zealand’s most significant military operation since World War II.
This new Country’s rugged territory has a long border between East and West Timor, across which militia from the west were mounting raids. It was going to be a difficult challenge for the forces of INTERFET.
Keeping the peace put the Kiwis in harm’s way many times, ultimately costing the lives of five Kiwis, including Private Leonard Manning who was killed in action in July 2000.
The mission transitioned to support the successful establishment of the new, independent state of Timor-Leste. Unfortunately in May 2006, following further unrest, Kiwi forces returned to restore security. A NZDF contingent was maintained in Timor-Leste until 2012.
Back to Timor
It has been 25 years since, the NZDF and NZ Police began serving in East Timor, and this year a group of Kiwi East Timor Veterans returned to Timor-Leste to film a documentary about their journey, and to revisit the country that many of them had not been back to.
NZ Army veteran Aaron Horrell had the ‘Back to Timor’ idea. He served in Timor-Leste with Batt 2 and 6, and his goal is to show the sacrifice, service and achievements of the men and women of the NZDF, NZ Police, and the Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) who brought peace to a wartorn country.
“We took 15 veterans back to where they served. We visited locations special to Army, Navy, Airforce and Police, and in particular to the sites that commemorate the members of the NZDF who died” says Aaron.
The documentary crew includes Mike McRoberts, director of photography LTCDR Leander Scott-Donelan RNZN, and producer Jeff Hampton.
Amongst the visiting contingent was Major General (retired) Martyn Dunne, who was honoured to be included.
“It is important to acknowledge the veterans of today as well as continuing to honour those who have gone before us. Aaron’s documentary will help the public understand the dedicated service of more than 5,000 Kiwis who achieved freedom for the Timor-Leste” says Martyn.
Of special significance was a memorial service held for Private Leonard Manning at the site of his death in 24 July 2000.
“Being able to be there with a member of Len’s Section and Bravo Company members, at the exact time and day he died 24 years ago, was hugely special and emotional for the entire group.”
Not everything about the trip was sombre though. Aaron was pleased to see that the locals hadn’t forgotten them.
“The Timorese in Cova Lima fondly remember the NZ military and wherever we went their smiles and hand waves were just the same as they were 25 years ago. You could see the thankfulness in their smile” says Aaron. The Veterans were welcomed by President Jose Ramos Horta and Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao. Both expressed sincere appreciation for New Zealand’s contribution on their journey for a free and peaceful Timor-Leste.
The documentary crew did most of their filming in the Cova Lima area which was the area of operations for most of the kiwis when in Timor-Leste. Post-production for Back to Timor is now underway and should be complete in time for public viewing by Anzac Day 2025.
Timor-Leste Commemoration Wellington 21 September
Members of the public are invited to attend the national commemoration for the peace-support operations in Timor-Leste, on Saturday 21 September 2024 at 11am. Please arrive at the Wellington Cathedral of St Paul by 10.45am to be seated before 11am.
It will be livestreamed on the Pukeahu National War Memorial Facebook page, www.facebook.com/pukeahu from 11am.
