| Accession Number | P03605.484 |
|---|---|
| Collection type | Photograph |
| Object type | Negative |
| Maker |
Immig, John |
| Place made | East Timor: Dili |
| Date made | 13 January 2000 |
| Conflict |
East Timor, 1999-2013 |
| Copyright |
Item copyright: © Australian War Memorial
This item is licensed under CC BY-NC
|
While carrying a bottle and canteens of water, Leading Aircraftman (LAC) Renard Swanson of 2 Air ...
Description
While carrying a bottle and canteens of water, Leading Aircraftman (LAC) Renard Swanson of 2 Air Defence Squadron, holds up the book 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest'. Two other servicemen rest with their rifles and equipment on the floor of their quarters near the Dili Beach refugee transit site. Mosquito netting has been strung over their beds. The RAAF is serving with the Australian-led International Force for East Timor (INTERFET). Following the overwhelming vote for independence by the East Timorese on 30 August 1999 in the United Nations (UN) sponsored referendum, the pro-Indonesian militia launched a campaign of destruction, arson and murder, killing approximately 1500 people and forcing 300 000 others into West Timor as refugees. On 15 September, the UN issued a resolution, calling for a multinational force to restore peace and security and facilitate humanitarian assistance operations. By 20 September 1999, the first coalition force began deploying to INTERFET.