Article about: Gentlemen....... Somalia, East Africa early 1990's, a civil war is raging between the Government and rebel warlord factions,this is the time of "Blackhawk down". In April 1992 an u
Gentlemen....... Somalia, East Africa early 1990's, a civil war is raging between the Government and rebel warlord factions,this is the time of "Blackhawk down". In April 1992 an uneasy ceasefire is negotiated and monitored by U.N. forces.....In August 1992 the German Government decides to offer humanitarian aid to mitigate famine in the war torn area, and an air bridge, involving Luftwaffe transport aircraft, began bringing in supplies,to Mombassa airport (Kenya). In June 1993 the Bundestag, the German Parliament passed new laws to allow the Bundeswehr to operate outside of Germany as part of the operation UNOSOM II. This was the first time the German Army had operated outside of Germany since the end of WW2.
Two contingents of over 3000 troops performed transport and supply duties until March 1994, they were based at Beledweyne, North of Mogadishu.
For a more in depth information on this operation see here... Deutscher Unterstützungsverband Somalia
The BW at the time of planning this deployment had no suitable uniforms for African involvement, the current moleskin type uniforms were deemed to heavy for tropical use, alternatives could not be designed and made quickly enough, U.S. uniforms were offered to the BW, but declined in favour of French Army fatigues, the F1 combat uniform. This comprised of lightweight jacket and trousers, French desert boots were also worn....together with current "new style" oliv colured combat equipment and the Model 826 Gefechthelm, and with their own unit berets, this formed the uniform of the German contingent of UNOSOM II.......these troops were issued UN accoutrements,blue berets/neck cravat/helmet covers and an arm band with the German flag emblem, "Germany" rocker and the UN badge....which is all most German troops wore, but some stitched insignia to their jackets, in addition, rank badges were worn, the slip on variety over the shoulder straps.....a khaki/sand coloured beanie/cowboy type hat was also issued and worn, this was a German made item.
Prost ! Steve.
Here I show my impression of an infantry senior NCO (Der Spiess) in Somalia 1993.....the hat is not an German made item but is similar in appearance, they are very rare to find for sale.....if any one has one ?
Prost ! Steve.
Well done and very forward looking thing, as the Somalia mission was, as noted, central to the post 1990 new roles and missions of the Bw.
There was just a good broadcast on Deutsche Welle on the EU Atalanta anti pirate mission off Somalia with a German frigate and its crew.
There was just a good broadcast on Deutsche Welle on the EU Atalanta anti pirate mission off Somalia with a German frigate and its crew.
Thanks for the comment FB ! The Marine is still there today, off the coast in the Indian Ocean, on anti-pirate duties. The BW issued a "campaign" medal for "EU Atalanta" mission in 2008.
Prost ! Steve.
Thanks. The Bw is a special love of mine for various reasons that won't go here. The DW broadcast is very good, and I am sure you can find it on line.
Weitermachen and good luck with your collecting. Much more profitable than silly on line fights about 'sculls.'
a superb thread steve ,very informative ,ive learned a lot and of course the attention to detail on your display is superb ,the french influence is very apparent ,thanks very much for sharing ,james
BW in Somalia 1993.........................
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by Friedrich-Berthold
Cheers Terry.
,very informative ,ive learned a lot and of course the attention to detail on your display is superb ,the french influence is very apparent ,thanks very much for sharing ,james
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