Op Haven
- 3 Commando Brigade HQ & Signal Squadron -

We arrived at Diyarbakir in time to catch the end of some torrential storms that had covered the region for 24 hours, creating a nightmare. of ankle-deep glutinous mud. our eventual destination, Silopi was a more pleasant sight. The huge flat plain of the mighty Tigris was green and spacious with a climate similar to an English mid-summer.

Adjacent to our location were the logistically superior Americans, who gave us a great deal of assistance throughout the operation. No doubt people have differing opinions of MRE's, cots and tents GP (medium), but we were all most grateful. Our stay in Turkey was brief and without incident before, with a degree of trepidation, we moved eastwards towards the border. The drive of 80 kms to Sirsenk airfield, our future location, saw us pass through Zakhu and Batufa, where the Kurds lined the streets as we passed, waving and smiling. Air Defence Troop, meanwhile, had deployed further east to Deralok and were under command of a French Brigade, typifying multi-national unity and cooperation, particularly when one considers that Air Defenders struggle to speak English let alone French!

The multitude of attachments that join Bde HQ under normal circumstances had been greatly enhanced for this operation, and included, M&AW Cadre, Kurdish Liaison Team, 49 EOD, 30 Signals Regt Det, RAOC Bath and Laundry Unit, PR team, Overseas Development Agency and, from the Americans, 94 Civil Affairs Battalion, Stinger, Anglico and Psy Ops Dets - Squadron '0' Groups will never be the same again!

Secetary of State for Defence, (Tom King)
Clears the Lower Deck

As is inevitable for the Brigade Headquarters we had many visitors, highlighted by the visits of the Secretary of State for Defence, Tom King, and CGIZM. The Secretary of State was most impressed and stated so clearly and precisely during a 'Clear lower Deck', using phraseology which was to confuse those members of the multi­national gathering who weren't green-hatted! CGIZM spent a full day in the location, also enjoying the opportunity to 'Clear lower Deck', though his ambushing by the Sgts' Mess 'Sky News Team', at his staff briefing was likely to remain a lasting memory!

During the latter stages of May the possibility of a Brigade R&R period saw much feverish staffing. An advance administration group were despatched to Dhekelia in Cyprus and individuals began making their plans . . . then the success of the operation meant a change of plans . . . we could be returning to UK. So began the regrouping and back loading of stores (including snowshoes) as the prelude to our return.

There was some heightening of our security measures, due mainly to some unrest and concern for their safety displayed by the Kurds. Many Peshmerga hierarchy visited us, with delicate discussions taking place to reassure those concerned that we weren't running out or abandoning them to an uncertain future.

Brigade HQ

A 'hearts and minds' firepower demonstration by the USMC was conducted on a sangar overlooking the HQ LS. The array of aircraft on display was impressive, as were the battle sims laid on by 49 EOD. lots of action and bangs ensured that those watching from every vantage point couldn't fail to be impressed. Our football team took on a Zainko Invitation XI and on arrival by Seaking were amazed to bee a 3,000 strong crowd waiting to welcome them. Though they lost by the narrowest of margins the match was played in marvellous spirit with a warm and generous crowd totally without favour for either team.

A Brigade HQ of about 80 was to remain in theatre for an uncertain period of time. A mixture of sympathy and relief felt by those to whom fate had been kind saw us moving back to UK, either by air from Sirsenk airfield, or via a long and arduous road move through Turkey to the docks for those going by sea.

And so it was that this unique and unusual operation came to a close for us. The overriding impression voiced by those involved was one of gratitude at having been part of a multi-national, multi-faceted challenge.