Canadian Joint Forces Somalia: In The Line of Duty 1992-1993

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Canadian Joint Forces Somalia: In The Line of Duty 1992-1993 is an amazingly detailed account of not just The Canadian Airborne Regiment's deployment to Somalia, but the actions of all CF units in the region.

Physical Description

  • Published: 1994, Department of National Defence (Amazon.com lists a version by Vanwell Publishing)
  • ISBN: (none listed on the DND version, Vanwell's is listed as ISBN 1550681109)
  • Softcover, 292pp, illustrated throughout
  • Edited by Captain Ron Pupetz.

Strengths

The book is packed with details regarding the deployment, from the types of rations eaten, to the identity of subunit commanders, a complete order of battle of not just the Battle Group but the supporting structures, a description of the mission's mandate, and an analysis of the effectiveness of the mission.

Chapters are:

  • Somalia: The Land, People
  • The Mission - The Organization
  • UNITAF/UNOSOM Operations
  • Operation Relief
  • Operation Lifeline Sudan
  • Humanitarian Relief
  • Canadian Joint Forces Headquarters
  • HMCS Preserver
  • Photographs
  • The Lions in the Horn of Africa
  • Canadian Airborne Regiment Battle Group
  • Visitors
  • Conclusion
  • Nominal Roll
  • Honours and Awards

The book is perhaps the most complete accounting of any modern Canadian military deployment, with appendices including a complete nominal roll of participants (with rank and even MOC listed) and list of awards (including two awards of the Medal of Bravery, two Meritorious Service Crosses, and 6 Meritorious Service Medals) among others.

The book is not a mere recitation of facts; personal experiences in the form of diary entries are included, with many photographs illustrating key personalities, civil life in the country, equipment, vehicles, and more.

A detailed background to the mission is given, and several helpful maps document the political and geographical climate that the Canadians deployed to.

Weaknesses

The most obvious drawback is the total absence of any mention of the "Somalia Incident" which led to the disbanding of the Airborne. While the book fills a necessary niche, given how little is known publicly about the very good work the CF did in Somalia, by not even hinting at the unfortunate events that occurred on the tour the book may be perceived as somehow inaccurate. The fact that the book was compiled by DND directly may also lead one to that conclusion. However, the book was compiled and published very soon after the deployment, preventing publication of material related to the ongoing investigation.

Recommendation

For the most detailed treatment of what the deployment was about and what it achieved in terms of the mission's objectives, this is an excellent resource, though admittedly focused on only the most positive elements of the deployment.

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