| Accession Number | P03605.898 |
|---|---|
| Collection type | Photograph |
| Object type | Negative |
| Maker |
Immig, John |
| Place made | East Timor: Dili |
| Date made | January 2000 |
| Conflict |
East Timor, 1999-2013 |
| Copyright |
Item copyright: © Australian War Memorial
This item is licensed under CC BY-NC
|
At the Dili Helicopter Base (Dili heliport) an unidentified serviceman takes an impromptu shower ...
Description
At the Dili Helicopter Base (Dili heliport) an unidentified serviceman takes an impromptu shower during a heavy rainstorm. He is bathing in the water which is pouring from a canvas shelter. The serviceman is probably a member of the RAAF, 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 East Timor as part of Australian-led International Force for East Timor (INTERFET).