On the 30th anniversary year of ADF operations in Somalia in 2023, the Australian Government has accepted the independent Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal recommendations for unit recognition for the Australian Defence Force (ADF) service in Somalia. The Tribunal recommended the award of a Meritorious Unit Citation for the following ADF units that served in Somalia between 1992 and 1995:
- The four United Nations Operation in Somalia (UNISOM) Australian Service Contingents (ASC) - ASC I, ASC II, ASC III, and ASC IV
- 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment Group (1RAR)
- HMAS Tobruk
Minister for Veterans' Affairs and Defence Personnel, Matt Keogh, said it is fitting these individuals receive the recognition they have long advocated for. "The Meritorious Unit Citation will recognise the service, contribution, and sacrifice made by those ADF members that were deployed in Somalia. I express my deepest gratitude to all those who served. Service in Somalia represented the ADF's largest land and sea operation since Australia's involvement in the Vietnam War."
In 1992, Somalia faced a civil war and famine crisis, prompting the international community to launch an aid campaign. Australia sent a thirty-person Movement Control Unit (MCU), and the RAN deployed an infantry battalion group to Somalia. The 1RAR Battalion Group was later transferred to UNOSOM II to rebuild the Somali state. Australians who served or supported operations in Somalia were part of various organisations and remained in Somalia until November 1993. However, the last UN troops were withdrawn from Somalia in March 1995 after facing significant casualties and failing to restore order or peace.
The Meritorious Unit Citation is awarded to a unit for sustained outstanding service in warlike operations. It is not an individual honour or award. This recognition will be a significant honour for the veterans who served in Somalia, as it acknowledges their exceptional work and dedication under challenging conditions.
The figurine is a tangible representation of the spirit of service and humanity, developed to commemorate the men and women who served our nation in Somalia. Discover this figurine here.
The Somalia Figurine was created to commemorate the men and women who served in Somalia. It depicts a soldier helping a young girl and is a tangible representation of the spirit of service and humanity. It comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, making it an ideal gift or collectible. The figurine is a Limited Edition of 2,500 Units.
“As we approach ANZAC Day, we must acknowledge and pay tribute to all service personnel engaged in conflict, peacekeeping, or humanitarian operations. They each embody the Spirit of the ANZAC.” Minister Keogh said. The Government will announce later this year how current and former ADF members can receive the insignia of the Meritorious Unit Citation.
Recognising the Australian Defence Force personnel who served in Somalia in the 1990s is long overdue. Their extraordinary work in challenging conditions deserves to be celebrated and honoured. The Meritorious Unit Citation and Somalia Figurine are just some ways to pay tribute to these brave individuals and their contributions to the global community. Follow us to honour their service and sacrifice, and promise to remember our fallen heroes.
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