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M113A1 of B Sqn 3/4 Cav Regt being prepared in UN colours in Townsville before deployment to Rwanda. The headlight lenses have been covered in grease as a mask for the overall white paint. The grease was later removed with a high-pressure cleaner. |
Operation Tamar was Australia's involvement in the United Nations activity in Rwanda during 1994.
Vehicles deployed on Operation Tamar were destined to be the first Australian vehicles to wear white UN livery. Three M113A1s and one M579 "Fitters" Track were delivered to Rwanda via US C-141 Starlifter.
They were deployed for six months, after which they were taken over by crews for the 5th/7th Bn RAR.
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Problems
were encountered with the three-coloured camouflage base. The black showed
through as a purplish hue.
(Shane Abdoo) |
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More
preparations being made in Townsville prior to deployment to Rwanda by
C-141 Starlifter.
(Shane Abdoo) |
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All
equipment was painted white. The tyres had to be touched up with black
paint! The markings reflect a 3rd TP from B Sqn, which was raised for
Operation Tamar.
Modifications made for the operation included brackets on antenna brushguards to hold rolls of barbed wire over the right hull side. (Shane Abdoo) |
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3
RCD Grizzlies (Canadian) at the Stadium in Kigali. The turret is the same
as fitted to the USMC AAVP 7A1. However, the Mk 19 AGL has been replaced
with the .30cal machine gun rechambered to accept 7.62mm ammunition.
(Brendan Berry) |
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The
Guanian Army deployed to Rwanda with limited equipment and was
subsequently given access to M113A2 ACAVs by the United Nations.
(Brendan Berry) |
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Australian
crews were tasked to train the Guanians in driving and servicing. The
vehicles came from US stocks with no modifications.
(Brendan Berry) |
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(Brendan Berry) |
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Australian
crews taking delivery of the vehicles in which they were to train the
Guanian soldiers. The M578 is based on the M107 SPG but has a fixed
superstructure fitted with a crane.
(Brendan Berry) |
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One
M578 Recovery Vehicle was also provided for maintenance personnel. Note
the .50 cal flexible mount on the roof.
(Brendan Berry) |
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M578
Recovery Vehicle. Note the full complement of equipment stowed on the
superstructure.
(Brendan Berry) |
Article Text Copyright © 2000 by Shane
Abdoo
Photographs Copyright © 2000 by Shane Abdoo
and Brendan Berry as noted
Page Created 11 August, 2000
Last Updated 05 June, 2001
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