Donald, Steven Thomas (Corporal, b.1968)

Collection relating to the Operation Solace service of 234911 Private (later Corporal) Steven Thomas Donald, 1 Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (1RAR), Somalia, 1992-1993.

Wallet 1 of 1 - Consists of a diary Donald maintained prior to and during his deployment to Somalia with 1RAR. The diary contains almost daily entries from 14 December 1992, when 1RAR was placed on standby for deployment, until 12 May 1993, just after Donald had arrived back in Australia. Donald writes of the preparations for deployment, the journey to Mogadishu, celebrating Christmas and New Year at sea, and boredom. He also remarks on his routine, patrols and operations around Baidoa, coming under rifle and grenade fire, qualifying periods for service medals, the weather, infractions by and charges levied against men in 1RAR, theft, tensions between the soldiers, providing support to World Vision, the death of [185458 Lance Corporal Shannon] McAliney, and his return to Australia.

While in Somalia Donald writes of their daily work including patrolling, providing escorts and food drops to the local population, and the conditions they experienced. He mentions frequent disciplinary action taken against the troops, particularly for unauthorised weapon discharges, including one that resulted in the death of a soldier, 2 April. He also often provides updates on whether or not they will be awarded the Australian Active Serive Medal (AASM) and whether he will be able to transfer to a clerical position with Battalion Headquarters.