Rice, Andrew (b.1964)

Collection relating to the Operation Bel Isi service of Andrew Rice, a civilian employee of the Australian Department of Defence, Truce Monitoring Group (TMG), Bougainville, 1998.

Wallet 1 of 2 - Consists of Rice's field message notebook and documents related to Rice's deployment as a Truce Monitor in Team Buka on Operation Bel Isi in Bougainville from 4 February and 28 April 1998. The notebook includes briefing notes, lists, and notes on reminders and tasks made by Rice during his deployment. The wallet also includes copies of four reports related to patrols conducted on Buka Island between February and April 1998. The reports detail the personnel involved, the route taken, interactions with local peoples, tensions, observations, and recommendations. Also in the wallet is a May 1998 report by Rice on his deployment with the TMG. He describes his area of operations, tasks and activities, assessments of the state of the peace and the TMG mission, and the role of civilian monitors.

Wallet 2 of 2 - Consists of copies of letters and a diary written by Rice during his deployment to Buka Island. The wallet includes seven letters Rice wrote to his partner Anne between 7 February and 9 April 1998 and a letter written to a friend following Rice's return to Australia. The letters discuss Rice's journey to Buka Island, his living conditions and the other observers in his team, his work, patrols and movements around the island, taking part in local ceremonies, the natural environment, and the difficulties of being a civilian working in a military environment. The diary delves into greater detail on Rice's day-to-day activities, routine, and experiences.