Hurley, David John (General, b.1953)

Places
Accession Number PR00294
Collection type Private Record
Record type Collection
Measurement Extent: 1.5 cm; Wallet/s: 1
Object type Letter
Maker Hurley, David John
Place made Somalia: Baidoa
Date made 1993
Access Open
Related File This file can be copied or viewed via the Memorial’s Reading Room. AWM371 93/0495
Conflict Period 1990-1999
Somalia, 1992-1995
Copying Provisions Copyright restrictions apply. Only personal, non-commercial, research and study use permitted. Permission of copyright holder required for any commercial use and/or reproduction.
Description

Collection relating to the Operation Solace service of Lieutenant Colonel (later General) David John Hurley, 1 Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (1RAR), Somalia, 1993.

Wallet 1 of 1 - Collection consists of copies of 18 letters Hurley sent to his wife and children between 13 January and 8 May 1993 while in command of 1RAR on Operation Solace in Somalia. Hurley writes of his journey to Somalia via Diego Garcia, the nature of his and the battalion's work in Baidoa, patrolling and convoy operations, his routine, Anzac Day in Baidoa, and of his involvement in the raising of a local police force. He also discusses his frustrations with the operational environment, comments on morale and interactions with American, French and Turkish personnel, and writes of the slow down of activity, preparations for the battalion's return home, the desertion of two Australian soldiers, and visits by politicians and celebrities.